Effect of the implementation of a workplace gymnastics exercise program to reduce the prevalence of neck pain in dental students

The neck pain (Cervicalgia) is an occupational health problem in dentists and is present from the practices of undergraduate. A quasiexperimental study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a workplace gymnastics exercise program for all students in the fourth year of a dental school in Lima to reduce the prevalence of neck pain. The program lasted six weeks, consisted of two talks to perform stretching gymnastics exercises for 5 minutes 3 times per day and a daily reminder by text message. 31 students were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention, 13/31 they said they had not done the exercises. It was found that the prevalence of neck in the previous 4 weeks was reduced from 90,3 % to 71,0 % (p = 0,034) and the intensity of pain was reduced from 5,4 to 3,6 (p = 0,009). The program was shown to reduce neck pain, future interventions should seek alternatives to increase adherence.