title: Effects of an intervention based on the Transtheoretical Model on back muscle endurance, physical function and pain in rice farmers with chronic low back pain.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic low back pain (LBP) can be managed by exercises which should be tailored to an individual's readiness to behavioral change.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of an intervention program based on the Transtheoretical Model of behavioral change (TTM) on back muscle endurance, physical function and pain in rice farmers with chronic LBP.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a 32-week study, 126 rice farmers were allocated to the TTM (n= 62) and non-TTM (n= 64) groups. Modified Biering-Sorensen test, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire and visual analogue scale were used for evaluating back muscle endurance, physical function and severity of pain, respectively. The evaluations were performed at baseline and at weeks 8, 20 and 32 of the study. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The back muscle endurance was significantly greater in the TTM group than in the non-TTM group at week 32 (p= 0.025). Physical function and severity of pain were significantly improved in the TTM group when compared with the non-TTM group at weeks 20 and 32 (p< 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A TTM-based intervention could improve back muscle endurance and physical function, and reduce the pain in rice farmers with LBP. Further studies should be considered to explore the long-term effects of this intervention.
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.|Research and Training Center for Enhancing Quality of Life of Working-Age People, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
authors.forename: Thanakorn
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Thanawat
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.|Research and Training Center for Enhancing Quality of Life of Working-Age People, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
authors.forename: Nomjit
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nualnetr
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001415:Back / Q000503:physiopathology; D064131:Back Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D000067565:Farmers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012275:Oryza; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Low back pain; Transtheoretical Model; exercise; farmers; health promotion