Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a specific workplace intervention for the management of
chronic lower back pain among employees working in assembly positions in the
automotive industry. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: On site at the
workplace of a French automotive manufacturer. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects (N=75
volunteers) were recruited on site and randomly assigned to either an
experimental group (n=37) or a control group (n=38). INTERVENTION: The
experimental group followed a supervised 60-minute session, 3 times per week, of
muscle strengthening, flexibility, and endurance training during 2 months. The
control group received no direct intervention. Evaluation took place at baseline,
2 months, and 6 months.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain related parameters were
evaluated using validated questionnaires and scales translated into French
(Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale, Rolan Morris Disability Questionnaire, Dallas
Pain Questionnaire, and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia). Perceived pain
intensity was evaluated using the numerical rating scale, and physical outcome
measures were evaluated using specific indicators (flexibility, Biering-Sorensen
Test, Shirado test). The multivariate analysis of variance, t test, and Wilcoxon
signed-rank test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: We observed a
significant beneficial effect (P<.025) for the experimental group at 2 and 6
months in pain parameters, specific flexibility, and in back functions, and a
significant improvement at 6 months in the control group for the perceived pain
intensity, anterior flexion, flexibility of quadriceps, and Dallas Pain
Questionnaire's work recreational score. An increase in the practice of physical
activity outside the workplace was noted in both groups at 2 months but persisted
at 6 months for the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS:
This study reinforces the
multiple health benefits of physical activity and physical therapy modalities in
the workplace by assisting individuals at risk who have chronic LBP.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS