Viljanen, 2003⁴⁵

3 and 9 months

Pain duration: 11 years

Fair

A. Physical therapist guided relaxation training (n=128): progressive relaxation, autogenic training, functional relaxation, and systematic desensi-tization (goal was to teach correct activation and relaxation of muscles used in daily activities); 3 times per week for 12 weeks, 30 minute sessions

B. Physical therapist guided dynamic strengthening exercises of the shoulder and cervical musculature (muscle performance exercises) (n=135): 3 times per week for 12 weeks, 30 minute sessions

C. No intervention (n=130)

A vs. B vs. C

Age: 43 vs. 45 vs. 44 years

Female: 100%

Performing physical activity ≥3x/week: 34% vs. 44% vs. 41%

Duration of office work: 20 vs. 23 vs. 21 years

Sedentary work >6 hours per day: 75% vs. 76% vs. vs. 73%

Computer work >6 hours per day: 39% vs. 33% vs. vs. 35%

Absent from work due to neck pain: 12% vs. 12% vs. 12%

Pain duration: 11 vs. 11 vs. 10 years

Depression index: 16 vs. 16 vs. 16

Baseline neck disability scale^a (0-80): 29 vs. 29 vs. 26

Baseline pain (0-10 VAS): 4.8 vs. 4.8 vs. 4.1

A vs. C

3 months

Neck disability scale^b: 15 vs. 14, adjusted difference 0.1 (95% CI −2.9 to 3.2)

Pain VAS: 3.0 vs. 2.9, adjusted difference 0.2 (95% CI −0.4 to 0.8)

9 months

Neck disability scale^b: 19 vs. 17, adjusted difference 0.2 (95% CI −2.8 to 3.1)

Pain VAS: 3.3 vs. 3.2, adjusted difference 0.2 (95% CI −0.3 to 0.8)

A vs. B

3 months

Neck disability scale^a: 15 vs. 15, adjusted difference 0.2 (95% CI −2.8 to 3.2)

Pain VAS: 3.0 vs. 2.9, adjusted difference −0.2 (95% CI −0.8 to 0.4)

9 months

Neck disability scale^a: 19 vs. 19; adjusted difference 0.2 (95% CI −2.7 to 3.2)

Pain VAS: 3.3 vs. 3.1, adjusted difference −0.2 (95% CI −0.8 to 0.3)