Physical Activity in Healthcare Workers With Low Back Pain: Effects of the Back-FIT Randomized Trial

J Occup Environ Med. 2020 Jun;62(6):e245-e249. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001844.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of physical activity program in healthcare workers with low back pain (LBP).

Methods: A group of healthcare workers participated voluntarily to a meeting about LBP and to be accepted, were randomly allocated to workplace program or to home-based exercises, illustrated in a booklet and in a video available on the company intranet website. Both programs consisted in 7 weeks of moderate intensity exercises adapted to LBP.

Results: Most outcomes improved in both groups, however with larger improvement of the Oswestry Disability Index in the workplace group (P = 0.02).

Conclusions: Regular physical exercise, at home or at the workplace among healthcare workers with LBP, represents a great opportunity to improve health and reduce disability.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Exercise Therapy
  • Exercise*
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain*
  • Pain Measurement