Physical Activity in Healthcare Workers with Low Back Pain: Effects of the Back-FIT Randomized Trial

Objective:To evaluate the effects of physical activity program in healthcare workers with low back pain (LBP).Methods:A group of healthcare workers participated voluntarily to a meeting about LBP and to be accepted, were randomly allocated to workplace program or to home-based exercises, illustrated in a booklet and in a video available on the company intranet website. Both programs consisted in 7 weeks of moderate intensity exercises adapted to LBP.Results:Most outcomes improved in both groups, however with larger improvement of the Oswestry Disability Index in the workplace group (P=0.02).Conclusions:Regular physical exercise, at home or at the workplace among healthcare workers with LBP, represents a great opportunity to improve health and reduce disability.