Effectiveness of Video Assisted Training Program on low back pain and functional disability among housekeeping employees in selected educational institutions in Bengaluru

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is a wide spread musculoskeletal condition that impacts a large proportion of global workforce significantly limiting their work productivity, and quality of life. Repetitive movements and frequent heavy lifting, often performed in awkward or incorrect body postures contribute to an increased risk for developing low back pain among housekeeping employees. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a video-assisted training program in reducing low back pain and improving functional capacity among housekeeping employees. One group pretest post-test design quasi-experimental design was used and 30house keeping employees were selected by non-probability purposive sampling. Baseline characteristics, pre-test measure of pain at lower back and functional disability was collected using demographic Performa, Quadruple visual analogue pain scale and Oswestry disability index scale. After the pretest, video assisted training program on exercises such as stretching, back strengthening and core strengthening was administered for 5 weeks and post-test was measured after 5 weeks. The mean pre-test pain score (26 ± 1.31) was decreased to 22.67 ± 0.76 on post-test and this reduction was statistically significant (t29 = 10.561, p = 0.001). Similarly functional disability scores were reduced from 13 ± 3.71 to 10.37 ± 0.96 on post - test (t29 = 3.989, p = 0.001). The study also revealed a substantial positive association between pain at lower back and functional impairment among housekeeping employees (r = 0.672, p = 0.001). The study findings highlight the need for integrating a combination of visual educational tools and exercise program at workplace to enhance the health outcomes of employees in physically demanding jobs to build a healthy and resilient workforce.