Kettlebell training for musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this trial was to investigate the effectiveness of a worksite intervention using kettlebell training to improve musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health.


METHODS
This single-blind randomized controlled trial involved 40 adults from occupations with a high prevalence of reported musculoskeletal pain symptoms (mean age 44 years, body mass index 23 kg/m², 85% women, with pain intensity of the neck/shoulders 3.5 and of the low back 2.8 on a scale of 0-10). A blinded assessor took measures at baseline and follow-up. Participants were randomly assigned to training--consisting of ballistic full-body kettlebell exercise 3 times per week for 8 weeks--or a control group. The main outcome measures were pain intensity of the neck/shoulders and low back, isometric muscle strength, and aerobic fitness.


RESULTS
Compared with the control group, pain intensity of the neck/shoulders decreased 2.1 points [95% confidence interval (95% CI) -3.7- -0.4] and pain intensity of the low back decreased 1.4 points (95% CI -2.7- -0.02) in the training group. Compared with the control group, the training group increased muscle strength of the trunk extensors (P<0.001), but not of the trunk flexors and shoulders. Aerobic fitness remained unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
Worksite intervention using kettlebell training reduces pain in the neck/shoulders and low back and improves muscle strength of the low back among adults from occupations with a high prevalence of reported musculoskeletal pain symptoms. This type of training does not appear to improve aerobic fitness.
National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Kenneth
K
Jay
Dennis
D
Frisch
Klaus
K
Hansen
Mette K
MK
Zebis
Christoffer H
CH
Andersen
Ole S
OS
Mortensen
Lars L
LL
Andersen
D000328:Adult; D002319:Cardiovascular System; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010809:Physical Fitness; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome