The caregiving demographic primarily comprises older and middle-aged women from the working class. They face a high prevalence of lower back pain that can lead to psycho-affective issues and a diminished quality of life. Addressing the needs of these caregivers has long been a societal concern. Researchers from the Ageing On group at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) took on the challenge of supporting these caregivers, asking themselves: “How can we best care for those who care?”
The Ageing On group, known for developing physical exercise programmes to maintain the functional abilities of older adults, recognised a parallel need among caregivers. Ana Rodriguez-Larrad, a researcher involved in the initiative, noted, “We realised that caregivers of the elderly, who often suffer from high rates of lower back pain, could benefit significantly from tailored physical exercise programmes to improve their well-being.” Over several years, interventions were meticulously designed and evaluated, targeting factors crucial to caregivers’ well-being.
“We studied over 200 caregivers to pinpoint their challenges and identify effective solutions,” explained Rodriguez-Larrad. Drawing from this research, the team piloted a programme to alleviate lower back pain among six organisations’ staff. Ander Espin-Elorza, another researcher involved, detailed the programme’s structure: “Over twelve weeks, participants engaged in team-based exercises incorporating simple strength routines using body weight and resistance bands. The training was progressively tailored to each individual, focusing on moderate intensity levels.”
The tailored physical exercise program yielded promising results. Participants experienced a significant reduction in lower back pain by the end of the program. Those who attended at least half of the sessions reported improvements in psycho-affective aspects, including reduced depression risk, decreased reliance on hypnotic and anti-anxiety medications, and an overall enhancement in their quality of life. While subsequent assessments conducted 48 weeks post-program indicated a slight decrease in the benefits related to lower back pain, the findings underscored the importance of sustained physical exercise for long-term well-being maintenance.
The Ageing On group’s unique approach to supporting the wellbeing of caregivers, a group often overlooked in discussions about elderly care, is a testament to their innovative thinking and dedication to the cause. By adapting their expertise in physical exercise for older adults to meet the specific needs of caregivers, the researchers have not only alleviated physical discomfort but also addressed psycho-affective challenges that significantly impact quality of life. This holistic approach underscores the value of ongoing support and tailored interventions in enhancing the lives of those who devote themselves to caring for others.
More information: Ander Espin et al, Videoconference-Supervised Group Exercise Reduces Low Back Pain in Eldercare Workers: Results from the ReViEEW Randomised Controlled Trial, Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. DOI: 10.1007/s10926-024-10182-2
Journal information: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation Provided by University of the Basque Country
