Training Therapy for the Prevention of Back Pain

Work place related (lower) back pain in medical personnel is limiting to workability. Even though occupational prevention programs are increasingly established, data on the effectiveness of training interventions offered at work-sites is largely missing. In this randomized, investigator-blind, controlled feasibility study we aim to compare the effectiveness of device assisted training therapy in comparison to a general recommendation "to stay active" or group gymnastics in terms of pain frequency and intensity (main outcome). Additional outcome variables are: quality of life, psychological well-being, work efficiency, of sick-leave days. Eligible employees (2 x 30) of the General Hospital of Vienna (AKH) over the age of 45 years suffering from (lower) back pain (\>30 days/last year) of intensity ≥ 3 (numeric scale 0-10) will be included in two parallel groups. Group I starts with a device (DAVID) assisted training (40 training sessions; 2x / week) of the core trunk musculature. Group II gets instructions and an advice on how to "stay active" during the first 6 months. Assessment will be conducted before and after these 6 months; then groups are switched, thus, study subjects act as their own controls.