1000 Section - Machine-Based Trunk Muscle Strengthening in the Prevention of Low Back Pain in active nurses aged 45+: Results of a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study

Objectives : Active nurses are at risk for low back pain (LBP). We aimed to determine 1) the feasibility of a five month machine-based trunk muscle strengthening training (ILEX) at the workplace to prevent LBP and disability, and 2) to identify appropriate health and functional measures to include in a confirmatory randomised controlled trial.

Design: Nurses aged 45+ documenting at least five LBP days that did not require medical management in the past month were randomly assigned to either the training or control group. The supervised intervention group trained back extensors and trunk flexors on ILEX machines for 40 sessions (2x/ week) following evidence based training recommendations; the control group received activity recommendations only.
Primary ourcomes included daily pain and disability ratings, the Roland Mooris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI), and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI). Secondary outcomes included strength, enduarnce, activity, and satisfaction with intervention. Participants of the control group were offered a subsequent training phase to preclude disappointment.

Results: A total of 33 female nurses (mean age 51 [45-61 years]) with idiopathic LBP were randomly assigned to either inervention or control group and completed 82% of training sessions. No significant changes were observed in the RMDQ or WPAI scores. MPI showed an improvement in work productivity for participants in the intervention group. 
Ther was no correlation between trunk muscle strength, back muscle endurance, or 6 minutes walking performance; 81% were satisfied with the training and indicated they would participate again.

Conclusion: While trunk muscle training at work in 45+ nurses had a positive effect on psychosocial aspects of life (MPI), the intervention was not superior to only receiving activity recommendations regarding functional improvements. The efficacy of this intervention in improving back-related health (RMDQ) or work ability (WPAI) in these individulas seems unlikely.

Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT03393429