| Methods |
A non‐randomised controlled trial.
Methodological quality score 2. |
| Participants |
Working 18‐59 ‐yr old people (n=107) who consulted a physician about disorders of the neck or shoulders. 80% females, 20% males; 44% neck tension syndrome, 18% cervical syndrome, 27% humeral tendinitis, 10% other diagnoses concerning neck /shoulder. Diagnoses were set according to criteria described by Waris et al (1979)
Control group (C): 40% tension neck, 28% humeral tendinitis, 20% cervical syndrome, 11% other, 35% males. |
| Interventions |
(I) Active multidisciplinary rehabilitation (n=53) for 8 wks, 2 hours a day, 4 days per wk (physical training, information, education, social interaction and work place visit)
(C) Traditional treatment (n=40) (physiotherapy, medication, rest and sick leave) |
| Outcomes |
Pain Intensity VAS (1‐10): Baseline (I) 6.1, (C) 6.0; at 12 mths (I) 5.3, (C) 5.4 and at 24 mths (I) 5.0, (C) 4.8
Generic functional status: Numeral data was not presented
Ability to work (number of days on sick leave/yr): Baseline (I) 28, (C) 25; at 12 mths (I) 14, (C) 22 and at 24 mths (I) 12 and (C) 14
Other: Prevalence of symptoms, People back to work at 3 mths (I) 21%, (C) 63%, and at 7 mths 80% in both groups. |
| Notes |
NOT RANDOMISED
Drop‐outs 14 (13 %) at 2 year
Reviewers overall conclusions of outcomes:
NEUTRAL |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Unclear risk |
D ‐ Not used |
