Back School Postural Education Program: Comparison of Two Types of Interventions in Improving Ergonomic Knowledge about Postures and Reducing Low Back Pain in Adolescents

• Main Authors: Beatriz Minghelli, Carla Nunes, Raul Oliveira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-04-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: back school program; low back pain; literacy; adolescent; backpack
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/9/4434

This study aimed to compare the impact of two Back School Postural Education Programs on improving ergonomic knowledge of postures adopted at school and home, as well as on reducing low back pain (LPB) in adolescents. The sample was constituted by 153 students, aged 10–16 years, with 96 (62.7%) girls, divided into 2 intervention groups (GA, GB). Two tests (theoretical and practical) and LBP questionnaire were applied 1 week before and 1 year after the end of the program. In GA, three sessions were performed for each class separately, on theoretical and practical issues, lasting 45 min and at intervals of 1 week, and in GB, only one theoretical session (90 min) was given to all students. Statistically differences on GA were obtained between the values 1 week before and after 1 year of evaluation in both theoretical and practical tests (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.001). In GB, only the values of the practical test present a statistical difference (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.001). GA obtained higher values on both tests after 1 year of follow-up compared with GB (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.001). The number of students with LBP decreased on GA (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.001). The program with longer duration, higher weekly frequency, and more practical and individualized character promotes better effects.