Effect Of Mental Imagery And Physical Exercise On Musculoskeletal Pain And Quality Of Life Among Office Workers: A Commentary

Abstract

Background — Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common problem among office workers. The main reason is related to the long time spent sitting and the associated lack of physical activity. Musculoskeletal pain can affect not only their work-related performance, but also their personal performance and quality of life. Research has mainly focused on the effects of physical activity in managing musculoskeletal pain in office workers, while research is sparse pertaining to the possible role of mental imagery on reducing musculoskeletal pain in office workers. While mental imagery has only a minor effect on pain modulation in healthy individuals, its effect appears to be more pronounced in those with chronic pain. Aim — This commentary attempts to present beneficial mental imagery techniques that can be used solely or in combination with physical exercise in an office-based setting to improve musculoskeletal pain to enhance work performance and quality of life among office workers.