Effects of biofeedback and strength training interventions on neck-shoulder sensory-motor responses among visual display unit users. A narrative review

• Published in: Journal of electromyography and kinesiology 2024-12, Vol.79, p.102936, Article 102936
• Main Authors: Madeleine, Pascal, Szeto, Grace P.Y., Heredia-Rizo, Alberto Marcos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biofeedback, Psychology - methods; Computer and smartphone users; Computer Terminals; Electromyography; Electromyography - methods; Humans; Musculoskeletal disorders; Neck Pain - physiopathology; Neck Pain - rehabilitation; Neck Pain - therapy; Neck-shoulder pain; Occupational Diseases - physiopathology; Occupational Diseases - prevention & control; Physical activity; Resistance Training - methods; Shoulder Pain - physiopathology; Shoulder Pain - rehabilitation
• ISSN: 1050-6411; 1873-5711; 1873-5711
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2024.102936

Workplace biofeedback and strength training interventions have been conducted to treat neck-shoulder pain among visual display unit users. Biofeedback has been given using surface electromyography, mechanomyography, oculometrics, and spinal posture to promote either muscle relaxation, muscle activation or change in posture. Strength training has been performed mostly using basic exercise equipment according to various progression principles. These two types of interventions would thus result in increased ability to cope with physical workload or improved individual resources. In this narrative review, we analyzed the design, methods, and results of the retrieved studies on neck-shoulder sensory-motor responses among visual display unit users. A few studies have reported both an immediate decrease in neck-shoulder pain and an improvement after the end of the intervention following biofeedback, often based on surface electromyography, and strength training interventions targeting the shoulder girdle. Biofeedback and strength training interventions can respectively modify ability to cope with physical workload and individual resources resulting in increased physical capacity among visual display unit users. The long-term effects and the applicability of these approaches remain to be demonstrated at workplace settings. Future studies could combine both modalities to increase versatility of the interventions.