2021, Vol. 8, Issue 3, Part B

Background: Mechanical low back pain is defined as a musculoskeletal pain which varies with physical activities and not involving root compression or serious spinal diseases. Usually it is unilateral pain with no referral below the knee may be caused by injury to the muscles or ligaments, the facet joint or in some cases the sacroiliac joint.

Housekeeping staff subjected to repetitive action of cleaning inside Hospital. The cleaning task involves cleaning of toilet, mopping and sweeping of floor, collecting and washing, waste management etc. Cleaning involves pushing and pulling like activities, bending movement. The repetitive work, work below knee level height and carrying heavy loads contribute to musculoskeletal problems. All these repetitive activities with the faulty pattern of postures and the movement will gradually reduce the movement control of lumbar spine, and then further lead to pain and disability in the lumbar spine. Trunk muscles may be unable to control lumbar alignment during movement of hip and thoracic spine. Motor control exercises utilize principle of motor learning theory retrain control of the trunk muscles, postures and movement pattern ultimately leading to reduction in the level of pain and disability.

Objectives: Objective of the study is to find out the effectiveness of motor control exercises in the management of mechanical low back pain among hospital housekeeping staff.

Methods: In this study, quasi experimental design was conducted to test the effectiveness of motor control exercises in the management of mechanical low back pain among housekeeping staff. The study population included 30 participants fulfilling both inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed consent was obtained from each participant. A description of the study was given to the participants before starting the exercise programme. A 30 sample size was selected by convenient sampling method. The exercise programme was about 6 weeks of duration where exercises are divided into 3 phases. Both pre and post test values of pain and disability assessed by using NPRS and Oswestry Disability Index before and after giving Motor control Exercises.

Result: The study showed significant improvement in mechanical low back pain and disability among housekeeping staff with Motor Control Exercises.

Conclusion: 6 weeks of Motor Control Exercises is effective in reducing mechanical low back pain and disability among housekeeping staff.