615: Pilot Study: 24-Week MDT Spine Program for Corporate Employees with Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Topic: Education, Societal Impact, and Others
Subtopic: Education of pain care

Background and Aims: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of work disability and productivity loss in Malaysia and globally. Although national prevalence within the country is about 12%, rates are higher among office workers due to prolonged sitting. LBP contributes to activity limitation, sick leave, and long-term disability, affecting both employees and employers. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an employer-funded, community-based support program for non-specific LBP, assessing pain intensity, functional status, quality of life, healthcare utilisation, pain perception, and participant satisfaction.

Methods: Adults in a single corporate setting with an average pain intensity of 4/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) over 7 days were recruited (N=51). Participants enrolled in a 24-week multimodal program comprising online exercise modules, up to five physiotherapy sessions, and a home-based spinal stretch toolkit. Assessments were conducted at baseline and Week 24. The primary outcome was change in VAS pain score in the intent-to-treat population. Secondary outcomes included ≥50% pain reduction, Brief Pain Inventory measures, disability (Oswestry Index), central sensitization, participant satisfaction, perceived quality of life, and healthcare utilisation. Significance measured in 2-sided paired t-test (p<0.05)

Results: At post-assessment, significant reductions were observed in worst pain, least pain, average pain, and current pain (all p<0.05). Average pain decreased by ≥50% from baseline, with most participants achieving substantial improvement. Only two participants were classified as non-responders. Central Sensitisation Inventory (CSI) scores also improved significantly from baseline (p<0.05). Significant reductions were further noted in pain interference with work, daily activities, and mood (p<0.05), demonstrating meaningful clinical and functional benefits following program participation.

Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that an employer-funded, education-based multimodal spine program may substantially reduce pain and improve functional and psychosocial outcomes in individuals with non-specific low back pain. Further research in larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these findings.

References: References:
1. Hussein A, et al., Malaysian Low Back Pain Management Guideline. 2010.
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3. Sivasampu S, et al., National Medical Care Statistics (NMCS), Kuala Lumpur: National Clinical Research Centre. 2014.
4. Lau, I.S., et al., Algorithm for the referral of patients with inflammatory back pain from primary care in Malaysia. Malays Fam Physician, 2021. 16(2): p. 2-6.
5. Mahmud, N., et al., Ergonomic Training Reduces Musculoskeletal Disorders among Office Workers: Results from the 6-Month Follow-Up. Malays J Med Sci, 2011. 18(2): p. 16-26.
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Presenting Author: Dr. Thiviya Gill
Submitting Author: Thiviya Gill

Senior Author: Mrs. Joyce McSwan

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: Yes

• Bryan Mok Vern-Yan: MBBS - PainWISE Pty Ltd
• Catherine E Panwar: BSc, PhD - Panwar Health Pty Ltd
• Athirah Bakhtiar: BPharm, PhD - Monash University Malaysia
• Ali Mobasheri: PhD - University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
• Joyce McSwan: BPharm - PainWISE Pty Ltd