Impact of Three-week Educational Program on Low Back Flexibility and Pain in College Students

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document the effectiveness of a three-week educational program on low back flexibility and pain reduction in college students between the ages of 18 and 30 who are at risk for low back pain. Methods: Fifty college students were assigned to either an experimental group that participated in a three-week educational program or a control group. Subjects were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the following outcome measures: Oswestry© Low Back Pain Disability questionnaire, the Fitnessgram© Back Saver Sit and Reach test, and pre- and post-low back pain survey. Results: The majority of students decreased in low back pain and felt that the educational program was beneficial in preventing and delaying low back pain. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed that there was no significant interaction between groups over time in low back flexibility and pain intensity, p>0.5. Conclusion: An educational program for college students that increases low back flexibility and decreases pain will prevent or delay low back pain among college students.