Effectiveness of combined aerobic exercise and neck-specific exercise compared to neck-specific exercise alone on work ability in neck pain patients: a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial

Objective To compare the effect of combined aerobic exercise (AE) and neck-specific exercise to neck-specific exercise alone on the work ability of individuals complaining of neck pain. Method Secondary analysis of data from a previous randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare AE and neck-specific exercise (AE group, n= 69) to neck-specific exercise alone (control group, n= 70). The Work Ability Index (WAI) was administered after the 6-week intervention, and Global Rating of Change (GROC) was assessed after the 6-week intervention and at 12- and 24-week follow-ups. Results Repeated-measure analyses of variance between groups indicated a significant time x group interaction on the GROC at 12- and 24-week follow-ups. The AE group showed better improvement on the GROC (mean +/- SD) from 6 to 24 weeks than controls: 4.7(+/- 0.12) to 5.3 (+/- 0.13) vs. 4.4 (+/- 0.13) to 4.1(+/- 0.13), respectively, (P < 0.001). There was a significant group x time interaction on the WAI (P < 0.001): the AE group showed better improvement (mean +/- SD) from baseline to 6-weeks than controls: 34.9 (+/- 4.4) to 39.2 (+/- 3.6) vs. 34.4 (+/- 4.9) to 35.8 (+/- 4.9), respectively, (P < 0.001). Work ability of participants with poor/moderate baseline scores improved more (P < 0.001) than those with good/excellent baseline scores (P = 0.48). Conclusions Combining moderate AE and neck-specific exercise improved the work ability of patients with NP more than neck-specific exercise alone. The combination should be recommended in health promotion programs, particularly for workers with low baseline work ability.

Automated summary

The study compared the effect of combined aerobic exercise and neck-specific exercise to neck-specific exercise alone on work ability of individuals with neck pain. Results showed that the combination of exercises improved work ability more effectively, especially for individuals with lower baseline work ability.