In 2011, a randomized controlled trial conducted by Hala Nassif and colleagues aimed to assess the effectiveness of a specific workplace intervention for managing chronic lower back pain (LBP) among assembly workers in the French automotive industry.

The study, carried out on-site at a French automotive manufacturer, recruited 75 volunteers who were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=37) or a control group (n=38).

Participants in the experimental group underwent a supervised 60-minute session, three times per week, for two months, focusing on muscle strengthening, flexibility, and endurance training. The control group received no direct intervention. Evaluations were conducted at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months.

Main outcome measures included pain-related parameters assessed using validated questionnaires and scales translated into French. These included the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale, Rolan Morris Disability Questionnaire, Dallas Pain Questionnaire, and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Additionally, perceived pain intensity was evaluated using the numerical rating scale, while physical outcome measures were assessed using specific indicators such as flexibility, the Biering-Sorensen Test, and the Shirado test.

Statistical analysis, including multivariate analysis of variance, t-tests, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, was employed.

Results indicated a significant beneficial effect (P<.025) for the experimental group at both 2 and 6 months in pain parameters, specific flexibility, and back function. Interestingly, the control group showed a significant improvement at 6 months in perceived pain intensity, anterior flexion, flexibility of quadriceps, and the Dallas Pain Questionnaire’s work recreational score. Additionally, both groups demonstrated an increase in physical activity outside the workplace at 2 months, persisting for the experimental group at 6 months.

In conclusion, this study underscores the potential health benefits of physical activity and physical therapy interventions in the workplace for individuals with chronic LBP, thereby assisting those at risk in managing their condition effectively.

Reference: Nassif, H., Brosset, N., Guillaume, M., Delore-Milles, E., Tafflet, M., Buchholz, F., & Toussaint, J. F. (2011). Evaluation of a randomized controlled trial in the management of chronic lower back pain in a French automotive industry: an observational study. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 92(12), 1927-1936.