Since three of four RCTs on lumbar supports reported no effect , there is no evidence for the effectiveness of lumbar supports .
The four RCTs on exercise consistently reported a positive effect , indicating limited evidence for the effectiveness of exercise .
CONCLUSION There is no evidence for the effectiveness of lumbar supports or education in the primary prevention of low back pain at the workplace .
There is limited evidence for the efficacy of exercise , and the effect that can be obtained is moderate .
OBJECTIVE To up date the evidence on the effectiveness of lumbar supports , education and exercise in the primary prevention of low back pain at the workplace .
No significant differences between intervention programmes on neck, shoulder and low back pain: a prospective randomized study among home-care personnel.
The effects of two different prevention programmes on : ( 1 ) reported neck , shoulder and back pain , ( 2 ) perceived physical exertion at work and perceived work-related psychosocial factors , were evaluated by question naires after 12 and 18 months . Female nursing aides and assistant nurses ( n = 282 ) working in the home-care services , were r and omly assigned to one of three groups for : ( 1 ) individually design ed physical training programme , ( 2 ) work-place stress management , ( 3 ) control group . Results revealed no significant differences between the three groups . However , improvements in low back pain were registered within both intervention groups for up to 18 months . Perceived physical exertion at work was reduced in the physical training group . Improvements in neck and shoulder pain did not differ within the three groups . Dissatisfaction with work-related , psychosocial factors was generally increased in all groups . As the aetiology of neck , shoulder and back disorders is multifactorial , a combination of the two intervention programmes might be preferable and should be further studied
Since three of four RCTs on lumbar supports reported no effect , there is no evidence for the effectiveness of lumbar supports .
The four RCTs on exercise consistently reported a positive effect , indicating limited evidence for the effectiveness of exercise .
CONCLUSION There is no evidence for the effectiveness of lumbar supports or education in the primary prevention of low back pain at the workplace .
There is limited evidence for the efficacy of exercise , and the effect that can be obtained is moderate .
OBJECTIVE To up date the evidence on the effectiveness of lumbar supports , education and exercise in the primary prevention of low back pain at the workplace .