Videoconference-Supervised Group Exercise Reduces Low Back Pain in Eldercare Workers: Results from the ReViEEW Randomised Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of a group exercise intervention conducted by real-time videoconference on the low back pain of eldercare workers. METHODS: We randomly assigned 130 eldercare workers to an experimental group (EG: n = 65) or control group (CG: n = 65). Participants from both groups took part in routine prevention programs carried out in their workplace, and participants from the EG received an additional 12-week resistance-exercise intervention supervised by real-time videoconference. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention, and the primary outcome was average low back pain intensity during the last 7 days, measured by the 0-10 numerical rating scale. Secondary outcomes included additional measures of low back, neck, shoulder and hand/wrist pain, as well as psycho-affective parameters, medication consumption and muscle performance. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were applied with a group-by-time ANCOVA including baseline measurements as covariates. RESULTS: 125 participants completed post-intervention assessments (EG: n = 63, CG: n = 62). The intention-to-treat analysis showed an effect favouring the EG on average low back pain intensity (p = 0.034). Improvements in additional low back and hand/wrist pain outcomes were also observed, as well as on upper limb muscle performance (p < 0.05). The per-protocol analysis demonstrated additional benefits in depression, quality of life, hypnotic/anxiolytic medication consumption and lower limb and trunk muscle performance in participants with ≥ 50% adherence (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was effective for reducing the low back and hand/wrist pain of eldercare workers and increasing upper limb muscle performance. The per-protocol analysis showed additional benefits in psycho-affective parameters, medication consumption and muscle performance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05050526. Registered 20 September 2021-Prospectively registered, https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/study/NCT05050526.

A Statistical Parametric Mapping Analysis Approach for the Evaluation of a Passive Back Support Exoskeleton on Mechanical Loading During a Simulated Patient Transfer Task.

This study assessed the effectiveness of a passive back support exoskeleton during a mechanical loading task. Fifteen healthy participants performed a simulated patient transfer task while wearing the Laevo (version 2.5) passive back support exoskeleton. Collected metrics encompassed L5-S1 joint moments, back and abdominal muscle activity, lower body and back kinematics, center of mass displacement, and movement smoothness. A statistical parametric mapping analysis approach was used to overcome limitations from discretization of continuous data. The exoskeleton reduced L5-S1 joint moments during trunk flexion, but wearing the device restricted L5-S1 joint flexion when flexing the trunk as well as hip and knee extension, preventing participants from standing fully upright. Moreover, wearing the device limited center of mass motion in the caudal direction and increased its motion in the anterior direction. Therefore, wearing the exoskeleton partly reduced lower back moments during the lowering phase of the patient transfer task, but there were some undesired effects such as altered joint kinematics and center of mass displacement. Statistical parametric mapping analysis was useful in determining the benefits and hindrances produced by wearing the exoskeleton while performing the simulated patient transfer task and should be utilized in further studies to inform design and appropriate usage.

Videoconference-Based Physical Performance Tests: Reliability and Feasibility Study.

Validated tools to evaluate physical performance remotely with real-time supervision are lacking. We assessed test−retest and inter-rater reliability, as well as the feasibility of carrying out the five-repetition sit-to-stand (5RSTS), kneeling push-up (KPU) and Shirado−Ito trunk flexor endurance (SIF) tests by 1:1 real-time videoconference. We also evaluated the correlation of these tests with measures of self-reported physical fitness, physical activity, health state and pain. A total of 96 healthy adults participated in the study (18−65 years). Relative and absolute reliabilities were assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM), respectively. Feasibility outcomes included testing duration, participant acceptability (1−5 Likert scale) and presence of adverse events. Self-reported measures were obtained with validated online questionnaires, and correlations were analyzed with Pearson's partial correlation coefficients controlling for age. ICCs were excellent (>0.9), and SEMs were generally low (2.43−16.21%). The mean duration of all tests was <5 min, mean acceptability was ≥4.5, and adverse events were few. The KPU showed statistically significant correlations with various self-reported measures (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the 5RSTS, KPU and SIF were reliable and feasible when conducted by 1:1 real-time videoconference. This study provides a tool that could be logistically and economically advantageous.