Effect of Swedish Back school exercise program on pain, functions and quality of life in Desk job workers with chronic nonspecific low back pain- An Experimental study

Title: Effect of Swedish Back school exercise program on pain, functions and quality of life in Desk job workers with chronic nonspecific low back pain- An Experimental Study

Low back pain (LBP) is a widespread problem in adult life since it is frequently linked to disability, lost production from sick leave, and consequently significant expenditures for the individual worker. LBP is a frequently occurring disorder, with more than 85% of individuals having ever experienced LBP in her/his lifetime. Workplace exposures, lifestyle choices, and psychosocial factors have all been linked to the emergence of symptoms. It has been found that between 34% and 51% of office workers had low back pain in the 12 months prior, and 20% to 23% of office workers reported developing low back pain for the first time during a 1-year follow-up. In contrast, between 24% and 61% of individuals who experienced low back pain recently went on to acquire chronicity. Occupational characteristics linked to LBP include heavy physical labour, static work postures, repetitive work, lifting and postural movements, frequent bending and twisting, and full body vibrations. Desktop jobs, computer specialists, bankers, receptionists, and chartered accountants are among the occupations that need a lot of sitting.

Due to increasing sedentary jobs, very few people are aware about the ergonomic changes that they require to do to reduce their low back pain. Work absenteeism, emotional disturbances, and disability are all strongly correlated with chronic low back pain. With the help of educational program, ergonomic advice and exercise in the desk job workers. They will get help in better understanding of the condition and its treatment.

A thorough educational and exercise-based strategy for managing and preventing back pain is the Back School program (BSP). In 1969, it was created in Sweden for people suffering from low back pain (LBP). It was developed by Zarichsson-Forsel at the Danderyl Hospital and later became known as the Swedish Back School. BSP’s main objective is to give individuals the knowledge and skills they need to improve their posture, body mechanics, and overall back health. The BSP’s ability to empower people to take charge of their health is one of its key features. It cultivates the knowledge and skills necessary for the person to identify spine-friendly motions in everyday activities. It includes an educational and skill-building program that includes exercise.

The patient will be screened on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and their demographic data will be taken by an assessment Performa. Prior to the commencement of the study, detailed procedure of the study will be explained to the patients and a signed informed consent form will be taken from them.Desk job workers including age 18 to 40 years will be recruited in the study.

On the first day of the first week, baseline measurements of Pain, functionality and quality of life will be taken. Total treatment will be of 4 weeks with 3 sessions per week (Alternate day treatment). Post assessment data of Pain (NPRS, ODI and SF12 score will be taken at the end of 4 week.

GROUP A (Experimental group): Subject will undergo Swedish back school program + conventional exercises. The participants in this group will undergo Swedish back school program along with conventional physiotherapy. Theoretical training will be delivered by power point presentation. Participants will be encouraged to follow the ergonomic advices throughout the treatment session and reminder for the same will be given daily by therapist. Medium of explanation will be regional customised to patients (Hindi, Gujarati or English). The back school program includes: 1) Anatomy of the spine, Spine biomechanics, musculoskeletal system, muscle balance, spinal protection. 2) Causes of spinal disease, pathomechanism . 3) Prevention of spine diseases, Application of back school. 4) Spine-friendly lifestyle, ergonomics. 5) Correct standing position, correct sitting position, feeling the body position.

GROUP B (Control group): Subject will undergo only conventional exercises.