Impacto del programa “UMU Fortalece tu espalda” sobre la flexibilidad y calidad de vida en trabajadores de la universidad

Currently, the implementation of physical and psychological wellness programs in the workplace has increased in order to improve the performance and quality of life of employees. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effect of a physical exercise program in university workers, aimed at improving quality of life and flexibility. The sample consisted of 14 participants, workers of the University of Murcia, between 54.93±10.61 years of age, who took part in the program "UMU Fortalece tu espalda" (UMU Strengthens your back). A quasi-experimental study was carried out with evaluations before and after the intervention. The participants attended a physical exercise program for the improvement of low back pain two non-consecutive days a week for 3 months. Two questionnaires (SF12 and Back Pain Questionnaire) and the following tests were used to obtain data: Sit and reach test; Lumbo-horizontal angle test in asthenic sedentation; and Lumbo-horizontal angle test in the toe-touch position. Significant improvements were observed in general health (p=0.047) with a 4 % increase in scores and a slight improvement in physical and metal heath of 2,85 % and 4,8%, respectively. In addition, there was an average increase of 2,32cm in the flexibility of the ischiosural musculature (p=0.003) with an improvement of 1, 99º in the lumbo-horizontal angle in asthenic sedentation and of 3, 53º in the toe-touch position (p=0.040). The application of a specific physical exercise program in workers of the University of Murcia, aimed at improving flexibility and general health, showed improvements both in the quality of life and in the flexibility of the participants.