Videoconference-Supervised Exercise for Low Back Pain in Eldercare Workers: One-Year Follow-up of the ReViEEW Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

To examine the 1-year impact of a 12-week videoconference-supervised exercise program followed by exercise advice on low back pain (LBP) among eldercare workers. One hundred thirty participants were randomized to control or intervention arms. Both received standard workplace prevention. The intervention group also completed the 12-week program and was encouraged to continue exercising until 1-year follow-up. Eleven participants dropped out. Intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant group-by-time effect on average LBP intensity ( P = 0.140). However, significant effects favored the intervention group in work interference from LBP and neck pain and reduced use of hypnotic/anxiolytic medications, whereas a negative effect appeared in work-related personal accomplishment ( P < 0.05). Per-protocol analysis showed gains in trunk muscle endurance and depressive symptoms ( P < 0.05). The intervention did not lower average LBP intensity but positively influenced several secondary outcomes, including work interference from pain and medication use.