An occupational, internet-based intervention to prevent chronicity in subacute lower back pain: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To investigate whether an online occupational postural and exercise intervention reduced patients’ overall risk status for chronicity in subacute non-specific low back pain compared with conventional treatment, and to determine whether changes in risk of chronicity correlate with changes in specific outcomes (i.e. Functional Status and QoL) for low back pain. Design: Prospective, single-blinded randomized intervention study. Subjects: University office workers with subacute non-specific low back pain (n = 100) were randomized 1:1 to an intervention group, who received an online occupational postural and exercise intervention, and a control group. Methods: Exercise and education materials used in the intervention were developed as an online resource, and included video demonstrations recorded in a laboratory. All sessions included exercises combining postural stability (for abdominal, lumbar, hip and thigh muscles) strengthening, flexibility, mobility, and stretching. Outcome measures included STarT Back Screening Tool (SBST), Roland Morris score, and European Quality of Life Questionnaire –5 dimensions – 3 levels. At 9 months, SBST was analysed and compared with the baseline and controls. Results: Significant positive effects were found on mean scores recorded in the online occupational exercise intervention group for risk of chronicity (p < 0.019). A correlation between functional disability, health-related quality of life and risk of chronicity of low back pain was observed. Conclusion: This study supports the potential utility of a real-time occupational internet-based intervention for preventing progression to chronicity of subacute non-specific low back pain among office workers.