ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: We examined the effectiveness of an intervention using a standing back extension exercise called "One Stretch", based on the McKenzie method, in improving or preventing low back pain and disability in Japanese care workers. METHODS: We conducted a non-randomized controlled trial in Japan. Care workers in the intervention group received an exercise manual and a 30-minute seminar on low back pain and were encouraged to exercise in groups, while care workers in a control group were given only the manual. All care workers answered questionnaires at baseline and after one year on the subjective improvement in low back pain, whether they had had a medical consultation for low back pain, and the exercise compliance. Low back pain with disability was assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index. RESULTS: Participants included 89 workers in the intervention group and 78 in the control group. Background characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups. Compared to the control group, a greater number of care workers in the intervention group showed improvements in low back pain or prevented it, did not have a medical consultation for low back pain, and exercised regularly. Furthermore, significantly fewer care workers in the intervention group suffered from low back pain with disability by the end of the study period than in the control group. CONCLUSION: The population approach about the exercise "One Stretch" led to better compliance with the exercise, and was effective for improving or preventing low back pain and in decreasing the likelihood of having a medical consultation for low back pain.