Feasibility of a Flipped Learning-Based Low Back Training Programme in Nurses to Support Ergonomic Knowledge, Performance, and Confidence
Ni Luh Dwi Indrayani1, Jong-Ni Lin2, Jer-Hao Chang3,4
1Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Institute of Technology and Health (ITEKES), Bali, Indonesia.
Aims:
To evaluate the feasibility of a flipped learning low back training programme among nurses, focussing on ergonomic knowledge, exercise performance and confidence, and participant satisfaction.
Background:
Work-related low back pain is a common occupational health problem among nurses. Comprehensive training programs including promotion of ergonomic knowledge, proper exercise performance, and confidence may enhance safe musculoskeletal practice.
Design:
Feasibility study.
Methods:
Twenty registered nurses were recruited from a graduate nursing programme between 2022 and 2023 with prior clinical experience. The training programme used a flipped-learning approach, incorporating evidence-based low back exercises and gamified strategies. Meanwhile, ergonomic knowledge was assessed post-programme and at 1-year follow-up, the exercise performance was rated during training and confidence in back exercise performance was self-reported at follow-up. Participant satisfaction was also measured.
Results:
Participants demonstrated high ergonomic knowledge (mean score 71/100) after training, which remained satisfactory at 1-year follow-up (64.4/100). Peer scores of 13 low back exercises ranged from fair to excellent. Self-confidence in performing the exercises 1 year later ranged from 7 to 9 out of 10, reflecting sustained ability to properly perform the exercises. Participants' satisfaction was high, indicating acceptance and perceived value in the programme.
Conclusions:
The flipped learning-based low back training programme was feasible for nurses and supported retention of ergonomic knowledge, correct exercise performance, and sustained confidence 1 year after training. High participant satisfaction further supports its acceptability, suggesting its potential for future implementation in clinical musculoskeletal practice. These observations are exploratory given the descriptive study design; hence, these findings should be interpreted cautiously.
