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Home-care workers risk back injuries and pain from lifting patients. Although lumbar supports may not prevent a first episode of back pain, they may prevent recurrence in those who already have had back pain. In this Dutch study, 360 home care workers with a history of back pain were randomized to use elastic back supports on workdays for a year or to use no intervention; all participants received a short course on healthy work habits.
During the study year, the average number of days of low back pain was significantly less among workers in the lumbar support group than among those in the control group (72 days vs. 124 days). The groups did not differ in total days of sick leave used. However, workers in the intervention group averaged 5 few…