Can standing back extension exercise improve or prevent low back pain in Japanese care workers?

BACKGROUND: We suggested a standing back extension exercise 'One Stretch' based on the McKenzie method, to examine the ability to improve or prevent low back pain (LBP) in Japanese care workers. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, non-randomized, controlled study in Japan. Care workers in an intervention group received an exercise manual and a 30-minute seminar on LBP and were encouraged with a group approach, while care workers in a control group were given only the manual. All care workers answered questionnaires at the baseline and end of a 1-year study period. The subjective improvement of LBP and compliance with the exercise were evaluated. RESULTS: In all, 64 workers in the intervention group and 72 in the control group participated in this study. More care workers in the intervention group exercised regularly and improved or prevented LBP than in the control group (P = 0·003 and P<0·0001, respectively). In the intervention group, none had a first medical consultation or were absent from disability for LBP by the end of the study period. CONCLUSION: The exercise 'One Stretch' would be effective to improve or prevent LBP in care workers. Our group approach would lead to better compliance with the exercise.