Effects of Neck and Shoulder Exercise in Computer Users

Abstract

The objective of this prospective analytical study was to assess the effects of self stretchingexercise in computer users suffering from neck and shoulder pain during November 2007-March2008. The subjects (n = 110) were employed in government offices and private companies in ChonBuri, Thailand. Comparisons of visual analogue scales in pre and post self stretching exercise weremade.

The results showed that the majority of subjects were female (84.5%), 50.9 percent in the 20-30 year age group. The average hours spent daily in front of computers was 5.9 (SD. 1.98) hour perday. Decrement of an visual analogue scale (VAS) in participants were 38.38 percent (SD. 25.9).Employing paired t-test, the VAS showed statistical significance when comparing pre and post selfstretching exercise (95% CI 1.19 - 1.5). On dividing participants into three groups mild (0<VAS≤3),moderate (3<VAS≤6) and severe (6<VAS≤10), the study showed that after exercise, number ofsubjects in moderate and severe group decreased significantly

In summary, there was statistically significant decrease of pain scale (VAS) and muscle tone incomputer users suffering from neck and shoulder pain after self stretching exercise program.