Results of a feasibility randomised controlled trial of osteopathy on neck-shoulder pain in computer users

• Published in: Complementary therapies in clinical practice Vol. 46; p. 101507
• Main Authors: Santiago, Rui José, Esteves, Jorge Eduardo, Baptista, João Santos, Magalhães, André, Costa, José Torres
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2022; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Absenteeism; Adult; Chronic Pain; Computer use; Computers; Critical incidents; Efficacy; Feasibility; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Myalgia; Neck pain; Occupational health; Osteopathic medicine; Osteopathy; Pain management; Productivity; Shoulder pain; Shoulder Pain - therapy; Side effects; Neck pain; Computers; Myalgia; Osteopathic medicine; Shoulder pain; Feasibility studies
• ISSN: 1744-3881; 1873-6947
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101507

Computer use is a well-known source of chronic pain, leading to absenteeism and reduced productivity and well-being. This study evaluated the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomised controlled trial. Several methodological variables defined trial feasibility. Thirty adults, daily computer users reporting pain, were recruited. Data collection took place at LABIOMEP. Participants were randomised into 1 of 3 parallel groups and received either osteopathic, sham or no treatment. Only the volunteers were blind to group assignments. The primary objective was to study the feasibility and acceptability of the protocol. Of 77 participants interested, 30 were included and randomised into three groups of ten. All participants concluded the study, and all the data was analysed. The feasibility outcomes were deemed appropriate. No adverse events or severe side effects were reported or identified. Studying the efficacy of osteopathic consultation on computer users by conducting an RCT is feasible and safe. With adjustments, a full-scale study can be designed. ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier: NCT04501575. Date registered August 06, 2020. •Running a large-scale RCT to study the effect of osteopathic care on pain is feasible.•A consultation of osteopathy may reduce the reported intensity of pain.•sEMG does not appear to be a useful research tool for assessing the effects of osteopathy.