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Videoconference-Supervised Exercise for Low Back Pain in Eldercare Workers: One-Year Follow-up of the ReViEEW
Ander Espin1, Jon Irazusta, Miriam Urquiza
1From the Ageing on Research Group, Department of Physiology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain (A.E., J.I., M.U., A.R.-F., A.R.-L.); Clinical Nursing and Community Health Research Group, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain (A.E., J.I., M.U., A.R.-F., A.R.-L.); Home Care Lab, S. Coop., Bilbao, Spain (U.L.E.); Caser Residencial Betharram, Hondarribia, Spain (L.C.T.); and National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark (L.L.A.).
A videoconference exercise program for eldercare workers did not reduce low back pain intensity but improved work interference from pain and reduced medication use over one year.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent issue among eldercare workers, impacting their work and quality of life.
- Workplace interventions are crucial for managing LBP in this demanding occupational group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the one-year effectiveness of a 12-week supervised exercise program delivered via videoconference, followed by exercise advice, for eldercare workers experiencing low back pain.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 130 eldercare workers.
- Participants were assigned to either a control group or an intervention group receiving standard prevention plus the videoconference exercise program and advice.
- Follow-up assessments were conducted over one year.
Main Results:
- No significant reduction in average low back pain intensity was observed in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.140).
- The intervention group showed significant improvements in reduced work interference from LBP and neck pain, and decreased use of hypnotic/anxiolytic medications (p < 0.05).
- Per-protocol analysis indicated improvements in trunk muscle endurance and depressive symptoms (p < 0.05) within the intervention group.
Conclusions:
- While the videoconference-supervised exercise program did not significantly decrease average low back pain intensity, it demonstrated positive effects on secondary outcomes.
- The intervention positively influenced work interference due to pain, medication usage, and mental well-being among eldercare workers.
