BACKGROUND: Exercise has been demonstrated as effective for the treatment of low back pain (LBP) in workers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an exercise program adapted to the characteristics of the workplace is a useful supplement to general exercise recommendations in assembly line workers with chronic LBP. METHODS: Workers were randomly assigned to intervention group-adapted exercises plus general exercise recommendations (n = 10), and control group-general exercise recommendations (n = 8). Both received 8-week exercise program through a mobile application (APP) to manage the intervention. Outcome was based on lumbar disability (Oswestry Disability Index), interference and lumbar pain intensity (Brief Pain Inventory), and kinematic parameters. RESULTS: Significant differences were obtained for the intervention group in the “pain interference” variable, in the “mood” and “enjoyment” sub-variables, as well as in “flexion angle” variable. For the control group, significant differences occurred in the “pain intensity” variable. Adapted exercise plus general recommendations seems more effective than the general recommendations for the improvement of lumbar flexion. CONCLUSIONS: An adapted exercise program for assembly line workers with chronic LBP could be an effective treatment. Future studies are recommended with a larger sample size and with an exhaustive control of the exercise adherence are required to confirm the findings of this pilot study.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a six week exercise program to reduce the muscle tone of the trapezius and musculoskeletal discomfort (MED) of office workers. Twenty-six workers performed an exercise program based on: (1) stretching of cervical and/or dorsal region; (2) joint mobility of shoulders and rachis; (3) strengthening deep stabilizer and core muscles; and (4) scapula stabilizing exercises. A Myoton device was used to evaluate trapezius tone and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was used to assess changes in MED at three points of evaluation: at the beginning (Pre_1) and at the end of the workday (Post_1), and after the training program (Pre_2). The Wilcoxon test and Cohen’s d were performed to examine differences and effect sizes between evaluations. Main results show that trapezius tone remained constant during the workday, but decreased in the dominant upper trapezius (p = 0.003, ES = −0.60) and increased in the non-dominant middle trapezius (p = 0.016, ES = 0.45) after the exercise program, which eliminated significant muscle asymmetries. MED significantly decreased in the neck (p = 0.027, ES = −0.60) and upper back (p = 0.046, ES = −0.67). In conclusion, MED appears to improve in office workers after a six week training program, which may be explained by a decrease in trapezius tone and increase in the left middle trapezius tone.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem in manufacturing workers. Several strategies have been proposed in order to reduce the pain and/or improve functionality. Among them, lumbar supports are a common solution prescribed for lumbar pain relief. Most of the studies in the literature only consider subjective sensations of the workers for evaluation assessment. This study applies biomechanical tests (a flexion-relaxation test and a functional movement evaluation test) to analyse the effectiveness of flexible lumbar supports in functionality and disability versus placebo intervention, consisting of kinesiotape placed on the low back without any stress. 28 workers participated in the study, randomised in control and intervention groups with a two months’ intervention. None of the biomechanical tests showed statistical differences in between-groups pre-post changes. No benefits of wearing a flexible lumbar support during the workday have been found in these assembly-line workers versus placebo intervention.

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