London, Dec 28 (IANS) Strength training with dumb bells can reduce aches and improve functioning of the trapezius, the large muscle which extends from the back of the head, down the neck and into the upper back.

The results are the latest findings from an ongoing Danish study aimed at reducing repetitive strain injury caused by office work.

The exercises also improve the muscle's ability to respond quickly and forcefully among women suffering trapezius myalgia, a tenderness and tightness in the upper trapezius muscle.

Repetitive strain injury has become increasingly common. The authors cited two recent Danish surveys, one of which found that more than half of female office workers reported frequent neck pain, while the other found that more than two-thirds of female office workers who reported neck pain suffered from trapezius myalgia.

In particular, the Danish team found that the women who had diminished ability to activate the muscle quickly and forcefully could benefit from the strength training.

Forty-two women who worked in offices on repetitive tasks and did computer work participated in the 10-week study.

They all had reported chronic or frequent pain in the neck area, and tightness and tenderness of the upper trapezius muscle.

Researchers randomly divided the women into three groups, namely, specific strength training, general fitness training and reference (control).

The team's finding confirms that such exercises can substantially reduce aches.

The study authors are Lars L. Andersen (National Research Centre for Working Environment in Copenhagen), Jesper L. Andersen, Charlotte Suetta, Michael Kjaer, (Institute of Sports Medicine), Karen Sogaard and Gisela Sjogaard (University of Southern Denmark), said their joint release.

The study appeared in the Journal of Applied Physiology.