A web-based intervention to improve and prevent low back pain among office workers: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Subacute, nonspecific low back pain is prevalent among office workers, impacting function and quality of life.
• Current standard care may not fully address the needs of this population.
• Web-based interventions offer a scalable and accessible approach to managing chronic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a web-based multidisciplinary intervention.
• To assess the impact of the intervention on functional disability and quality of life in office workers.
• To determine the intervention's effect on low back pain episodes and trunk muscle endurance.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 100 office workers with subacute low back pain.
• Intervention group received a 9-month web-based program (11 min/day, 5 days/week) plus standard care.
• Control group received standard care only. Outcomes measured using Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and EQ-5D-3L.

Main Results:

• The web-based intervention group showed a mean improvement of -7.36 points on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire.
• The control group experienced a worsening of 1.89 points on the same measure.
• Significant between-group difference of -9.25 points favoring the intervention group in functional disability.

Conclusions:

• A 9-month web-based intervention is feasible and effective for improving function.
• The intervention positively impacts health-related quality of life in office workers.
• Web-based programs can effectively decrease episodes of low back pain in this demographic.