The (cost-) effectiveness of a lifestyle physical activity intervention in addition to a work style intervention on the recovery from neck and upper limb symptoms in computer workers

ISRCTN	ISRCTN87019406
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN87019406
Protocol serial number	WC 2002-044
Sponsor	Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine (The Netherlands)
Funder	Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine of the VU University Medical Center (EMGO-institute) and TNO Quality of Life (Netherlands). The study is internally funded.

Submission date: 19/06/2006
Registration date: 04/08/2006
Last edited: 14/09/2011

Recruitment status: No longer recruiting
Overall study status: Completed
Condition category: Musculoskeletal Diseases

Prospectively registered

Protocol

Statistical analysis plan

Results

Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Not provided at time of registration

Contact information

Dr Vincent Hildebrandt
Scientific

P.O. Box 2215
Leiden
2301 CE
Netherlands

Phone	+31 71 5181744
Email	vh.hildebrandt@pg.tno.nl

Study information

Primary study design	Interventional
Study design	Randomised controlled trial with two intervention groups and a control group.
Secondary study design	Randomised controlled trial
Scientific title
Study acronym	RSI@Work study
Study objectives	A lifestyle physical activity intervention has an added value in addition to a work style intervention focused on ergonomics, breaks and coping with high work demands on the recovery from neck and upper limb symptoms in computer workers.
Ethics approval(s)	The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of the VU University Medical Center (07/09/2004), protocol number 2004/027.
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied	Neck and upper limb symptoms
Intervention	The interventions for the two intervention groups both consist of six group meetings in a six month period that take place at the workplace, during work time and under the supervision of a specially trained counsellor. In both intervention groups the goal of the group meetings is to improve workplace ergonomics, the number and quality of breaks and coping behaviour with regard to high work demands. In the work style and physical activity group the additional goal is to increase moderate to heavy physical activity. Both intervention groups are compared with a control group that does not receive any advice.
Intervention type	Other
Primary outcome measure(s)	1. Degree of recovery 2. Pain intensity 3. Disability 4. Presence and number of days with neck and upper limb symptoms 5. Number of months without neck and upper limb symptoms
Key secondary outcome measure(s)	1. Physical activity 2. Body posture and workplace ergonomics 3. The use of breaks and exercise reminder software 4. Extrinsic effort and reward 5. Decision authority 6. Phase of behavioral change with regard to physical activity and work style 7. Cardiorespiratory fitness 8. Maximum grip strength 9. Absenteeism 10. Worker productivity
Completion date	01/10/2005

Eligibility

Participant type(s)	Patient
Age group	Adult
Lower age limit	18 Years
Upper age limit	64 Years
Sex	All
Target sample size at registration	405
Key inclusion criteria	1. Computer workers aged 18-64 2. Frequent or long-term neck and upper limb symptoms in the preceding six months 3. Frequent or long-term neck and upper limb symptoms in the preceding two weeks By using a six month period and a two week period, we intend to include workers with chronic and recurrent symptoms as well as workers with recent symptoms.
Key exclusion criteria	1. Performing computer work at less than three days a week or during less than three hours a day 2. A working contract shorter than one year 3. Under care of a doctor or (physical) therapist for complaints in the neck, shoulders arms, wrists and/or hands 4. Non-work related pathologies or clear somatic afflictions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, cervical hernia, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome) 5. Sickness absence of 50% or more 6. Pregnant
Date of first enrolment	01/10/2002
Date of final enrolment	01/10/2005

Locations

Countries of recruitment

Netherlands

Study participating centre

P.O. Box 2215

Leiden
2301 CE
Netherlands

Results and Publications

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share	No
IPD sharing plan summary	Not provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Study outputs

Output type	Details	Date created	Date added	Peer reviewed?	Patient-facing?
Results article	results	01/11/2007		Yes	No
Results article	results	01/04/2011		Yes	No
Protocol article	protocol	24/10/2006		Yes	No