BETHESDA, Md. (Nov. 18, 2009) Strength training exercises using dumbbells can reduce pain and improve function in the trapezius muscle, the large muscle which extends from the back of the head, down the neck and into the upper back. The exercises also improve the muscle's ability to respond quickly and forcefully among women suffering trapezius myalgia, a tenderness and tightness in the upper trapezius muscle. The results are the latest findings from an ongoing Danish study aimed at reducing repetitive strain injury caused by office work.
Repetitive strain injury has become increasingly common. The authors cited two recent Danish surveys, one of which found that more than half of female office workers reported frequent neck pain. The other found that more than two-thirds of female office workers who reported neck pain suffered from trapezius myalgia.
Five Exercises Confirm Benefit for Office-Related Strains in Women
The team's latest finding confirms that that five strength exercises the one-arm row, shoulder abduction, shoulder elevation, reverse fly and upright row can substantially reduce perceived pain. By finding out more about how the muscle function has been impaired and how it improves with exercise, the team has developed a way to assess the muscle in the rehabilitation setting. In particular, the Danish team found that the women who had diminished ability to activate the muscle quickly and forcefully could benefit from the strength training.
The study is "Effect of contrasting physical exercise interventions on rapid force capacity of chronically painful muscles." Lars L. Andersen, Jesper L. Andersen, Charlotte Suetta, Michael Kjaer, Karen Sogaard and Gisela Sjogaard conducted the study. Lars Andersen is with the National Research Centre for the Working Environment in Copenhagen; Jesper Andersen, Charlotte Suetta and Michael Kjaer are with the Institute of Sports Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen;
'/>"/>
| Contact: Christine Guilfoy cguilfoy@the-aps.org 301-634-7253 American Physiological Society Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Medical food reduces medical costs and use of anti-convulsant medication
2. Mediterranean diet associated with reduced risk of depression
3. Treating even mild gestational diabetes reduces birth complications
4. Breathing technique can reduce frequency, severity of asthma attacks
5. Energy experts helping Australian households reduce carbon emissions
6. Prevent periodontitis to reduce the risk of head and neck cancer
7. Women often opt to surgically remove their breasts, ovaries to reduce cancer risk
8. New stem cell research could reduce number of animal experiments
9. Common allergy drug reduces obesity and diabetes in mice
10. New drug may reduce heart attack damage
11. Clean fuels could reduce deaths from ship smokestacks by 40,000 annually
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |