Exercise Intervention for Employees of the University of Bern

Kurzbewegungsintervention für Mitarbeitende Der Universität Bern

As part of a Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF project (On-site multi-component intervention to improve productivity and reduce the economic and personal burden of neck pain in Swiss Office-Workers, NEXpro = Neck EXercises for productivity, SNSF no. 32003B_182389, BASEC no. 2019-01678), the investigators first developed a physiotherapeutic exercise intervention to improve the strength and mobility of the neck muscles. In the SNSF project NEXpro, the intervention took place on-site in the office. However, in view of the digital transformation, it is important to adapt the intervention delivery method to the new virtual work setting. The aims of the present project are therefore to implement, further develop and contextually adapt the exercise intervention in order to reduce musculoskeletal complaints and to reduce health-related presenteeism. The final product is a user-friendly virtual 6-week short exercise intervention that employees of the University of Bern can use independently, regardless of time and place. The effectiveness of the newly developed short exercise intervention (pain reduction, reduction of presenteeism) will be assessed during a short pilot phase.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Employees of the Faculty of Human Sciences of the University of Bern who
• suffer from neck pain or would like to prevent neck pain
• are between 18 and 65 years of age
• understand German (written and oral)
• have a predominantly sedentary job
• have given written consent to participate in the study.

Note: Neither gender, age, education nor group affiliation play a role. The investigators particularly welcome participation from mid-level employees. If students are willing to participate, they may also do so, but this group will not be actively recruited.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Existing severe neck pain grade IV (neck trauma, neck injury, specific pathologies (e.g. congenital cervical anomalies, stenosis, radiculopathy), inflammatory conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis), history of cervical surgery)
• If physical activity is contraindicated by the doctor for any reason (e.g. due to unresolved hypertension).