Effect of Comprehensive Body Mechanics Demonstration on Back Pain among Teachers

Abstract

Background: Back pain is one of the most common health issues among adults. School teachers are particularly vulnerable to low back pain due to the physically demanding nature of their daily work, which involves prolonged standing, repetitive movements, and awkward postures.

Aim and Objectives: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive body mechanics demonstration in improving knowledge and reducing back pain among teachers suffering from back pain in selected colleges.  

Materials and Methods: A total of 60 teachers with back pain were selected using a one-group pre-test post-test design. A pre-test was conducted to assess knowledge regarding body mechanics, followed by an intervention involving a practical demonstration on correct body mechanics. A post-test was conducted after seven days. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Before the intervention, 43.33% of participants reported severe pain, and 65.33% had poor knowledge regarding body mechanics. After the intervention, 68.33% demonstrated good knowledge, 25% had average knowledge, and only 6.66% had poor knowledge. The pre-test mean score was 9.95±5.173, and the post-test mean score was 17.97±4.442, showing a significant improvement in knowledge (t = 9.111, p < 0.0001). No significant association was found between socio-demographic variables and knowledge levels.

Conclusion: The comprehensive body mechanics demonstration was effective in significantly improving teachers’ knowledge and awareness regarding correct posture and body mechanics, thereby reducing back pain. Educational interventions focusing on body mechanics can serve as an effective, low-cost strategy to promote musculoskeletal health among teachers.