The effectiveness of different intervention strategies in preventing back pain in members of the nursing population and the general population

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Zimmerman, Tara^;

Affiliations: Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

Note: [] 2 Lorna Lane, Monsey, New York, NY 10952, USA. Tel.: + 1 912 3576951. e-mail: tzimmerm@bu.edu

Abstract: The effectiveness of different intervention strategies for preventing back pain was investigated. Due to physical job demands, nursing personnel appear to be at greater risk for back problems than the general population. This literature review examines various studies, to compare the effectiveness of intervention programs between nursing personnel and the general public. This review compares the effectiveness of two main forms of interventions reported in the literature: education and exercise based programs. Different styles of implementation (hands-on vs. observational) are further examined. Despite mixed results, a review of the literature indicates that an exercise-based program offers promising results. Although greater uncertainty is seen in education-based interventions, an interactive approach is suggested for such a program. Implications for future areas of research are discussed.

Keywords: Education, Exercise, Back injury, Program

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1998-11211

Journal: Work, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 221-231, 1998