Multicomponent exercises to prevent and reduce back pain in elderly care nurses: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Sports science interventions in healthcare settings.
• Occupational health and safety for nursing staff.

Background:

• Elderly care nursing is associated with a high prevalence of low back pain (LBP).
• Multicomponent programs are essential to address the diverse physical demands and strains in nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a tailored ten-week ergonomics and twelve-week strength training program.
• To assess the impact on lifting behavior, strength endurance, LBP, functional impairment, and adherence in nurses.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 42 nurses in residential care.
• Data collected at baseline, 10, 22, and 34 weeks using physical tests (PILE-Test, Biering-Sørensen-Test) and questionnaires (VAS, ODI).
• Analysis included Chi²-Tests, ANOVA, and Linear Mixed Models to compare intervention and control groups.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed improved lifting performance (PILE-Test, p=.006) and reduced LBP (VAS, p=.043) after ergonomics training.
• No significant differences were observed in strength endurance (Biering-Sørensen-Test) or functional impairment (ODI).
• Positive adherence rates were reported for the intervention program.

Conclusions:

• The combined ergonomics and strength training approach is effective for preventing LBP and improving lifting behavior in nurses.
• These findings provide a basis for specific recommendations in occupational health and prevention strategies.
• Future research should explore additional strategies to further reduce the burden on nurses.