Impact of a web-based stress management and health promotion program on neck-shoulder-back pain in knowledge workers? 12 Month prospective controlled follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of a web-based stress management program on neck-shoulder-back pain and perceived pain-relatedness to stress in a prospective and controlled study. METHODS: Study points were baseline, after 6 months intervention and at 12 months follow-up on 226 news media employees in two study groups and one control group. RESULTS: Between groups no significant differences were found at any study point. Within groups, the study group with less intensive program improved in pain-relatedness to stress at follow-up. Between baseline and after intervention, the group with more intensive program showed decreased low back pain, and the control group showed less pain-relatedness to stress. Within group differences varied according to pain localization and were inconsistent. CONCLUSION: Present web-based stress management program did not influence neck-shoulder-back pain or perceived pain-relatedness to stress in stress-intensive occupations.