Videoconference-Supervised Group Exercise Reduces Low Back Pain in Eldercare Workers: Results from the ReViEEW...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Eldercare workers frequently experience low back pain due to job demands.
• Effective, accessible interventions are needed to manage pain and improve well-being in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a real-time videoconference-delivered group exercise intervention on low back pain among eldercare workers.

Main Methods:

• 130 eldercare workers were randomized into an experimental group (EG) or control group (CG).
• The EG received a 12-week resistance exercise program via real-time videoconference, in addition to routine prevention.
• Pain intensity, secondary pain measures, psycho-affective parameters, medication use, and muscle performance were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The intention-to-treat analysis revealed a significant reduction in low back pain intensity in the EG compared to the CG (p=0.034).
• Improvements were noted in hand/wrist pain and upper limb muscle performance for the EG.
• Per-protocol analysis showed additional benefits in depression, quality of life, medication use, and trunk/lower limb muscle performance with ≥50% adherence.

Conclusions:

• A 12-week videoconference-guided exercise intervention effectively reduced low back and hand/wrist pain in eldercare workers.
• The program enhanced upper limb muscle performance and, with sufficient adherence, improved psycho-affective outcomes and reduced medication consumption.