The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of neck and low back pain among full-time staff at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex (FMSTRC), The University of the West Indies, Mona. It also seeks to assess staff members' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding spine health and to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-week standardised spine-specific exercise programme in reducing musculoskeletal discomfort among those experiencing neck and low back pain. The study will be conducted in two phases using a descriptive cross-sectional design followed by a prospective randomised controlled trial, in which participants reporting pain will be allocated to either a spine-specific exercise intervention group or a non-spine-specific exercise control group for comparative analysis of outcomes.
All full time academic/office/supplementary/ancillary staff employed to the Faculty of Medical Science, Training and Research Complex, UWI, Mona.
Individuals with a willingness to adhere to exercise program given in a handout.
Individuals age 18-65
Individuals with at least 1 year experience in their current position.
Individuals with a history of having spine surgery
Individuals previously diagnosed with a spine pathology
Individuals currently receiving physiotherapy for a spine problem