Perceived muscular tension is a risk factor for future neck-shoulder symptoms

Methods: Data were used from the PROMO study, a prospective cohort study among 1951 office workers with a follow-up duration of two years. Risk factors were assessed with a questionnaire at baseline and after one year of follow-up. Outcome was assessed every three months by means of a questionnaire. Neck-shoulder cases were identified based on the transition of ‘no’ or ‘sometimes’ pain to ‘regular’ or ‘prolonged’ pain. Following Wahlstrom et al. (2003) perceived muscular tension was asked as follows: “During the past three months, have you experienced muscular tension (e.g. wrinkled your forehead, grounded your teeth, raised your shoulders)?” Participants were classified into three groups: low tension (‘never’), medium tension (‘sometimes’) and high tension (‘several times per week’ or ‘one or several times per day’).