The effectiveness of neuromuscular exercise on multisite pain among currently working health care workers

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of neuromuscular exercise among health care workers with multisite pain. METHODS: This secondary analysis examined a randomized controlled trial comparing exercisers (n=110) and non-exercisers (n=109) among female health care workers aged 30-55 years with low back pain. The exercise group trained twice weekly for 6 months. Multisite pain was defined as pain in at least 3 sites, intensity ≥4 (0-10 NRS), and occurring daily or nearly daily. Prevalence of multisite pain was assessed from baseline to 24-month follow-up. RESULTS: After 6 months, multisite pain decreased in the exercise group but increased in the control group. Longitudinal analysis revealed a statistically non-significant (p=0.053) difference between groups from baseline to 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: The 6-month neuromuscular exercise intervention reduced multisite pain, but the effect diminished after the intervention ended.