Effects of a Multifidus Lower Back Muscle Exercise Promotion Program on Exercise Behavior and Back Muscle Endurance among Employees in a Seasoning and Curry Powder Manufacturing Plant in Amnat Charoen Province

Abstract

Lower back pain is a common symptom among the working-age population. These symptoms are often caused by improper working postures, leading to back pain and impacting daily life. This research studied the effects of a lower back muscle exercise promotion program on exercise behavior and back muscle endurance among employees in a seasoning and curry powder manufacturing plant in Amnat Charoen province. The study utilized a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design, aiming to examine exercise behavior and back muscle endurance in the participants. The sample size was determined using the formula for comparing the means of two dependent populations, resulting in a total of 35 participants. Data were collected using an exercise activity index, an exercise behavior assessment, a back muscle endurance test, and a pain assessment scale, with a content validity index (CVI) of 0.89. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics using a paired sample t-test. The findings revealed that the majority of participants were female (68.57%), with an average age of 40.25 years. Most participants (88.57%) worked continuously for more than 8 hours per day. After the intervention, participants demonstrated significantly higher exercise behavior and back muscle endurance (p<0.01), as well as a reduction in back pain. However, no correlation was found between exercise behavior and back muscle endurance. Therefore, it is recommended to promote wider implementation of the program to improve exercise behavior and enhance back muscle endurance.