Mindfulness Intervention to Reduce Low Back Pain Among Academicians

Study Protocol: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Mindfulness Intervention to Reduce Low Back Pain, Psychological Symptoms and Enhance Work Productivity Among Academic Staff in Malaysian Tertiary Education

Mindfulness interventions are a well-known approach for improving mental health. Nevertheless, the available evidence regarding their efficacy in addressing musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is limited, despite numerous studies demonstrating an association between psychological factors and MSP. Both mental health issues and MSP are prevalent among academicians, yet there is a scarce study on the application of mindfulness interventions to these specific concerns. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a study protocol that will focus on assessing the impact of mindfulness interventions on alleviating low back pain (LBP) symptoms, psychological symptoms, and improving work productivity among academic staff.

This study acknowledges the significance of mindfulness interventions, primarily introduced by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Mindfulness, rooted in various religious traditions, has been associated with improved well-being. The efficacy of mindfulness interventions in addressing anxiety and mood disorders is supported by meta-analyses, indicating moderate effectiveness. The focus then shifts to workplace interventions, noting a rising trend in research on mindfulness from 2012 to 2022. Studies highlight its efficacy not only in mental health aspects among employees but also in reducing musculoskeletal disorders.

Previous studies revealing the positive impact of mindfulness on chronic musculoskeletal pain, psychological well-being, and overall health-related quality of life among nurses. Another study in Denmark combines mindfulness with physical and cognitive elements, demonstrating reductions in pain intensity across various body regions. While mindfulness in the workplace is well-explored, its application in academia, particularly among university teachers, is relatively new. Previous scoping review explores various psychological interventions, including Mindfulness-Based Interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and yoga, to reduce stress and burnout among teachers, but cautions against generalizing these findings to academicians due to the heterogeneity of their work nature.

Based on the fact mentioned above, it is imperative to initiate mindfulness interventions among the academicians targeting to reduce low back pain, psychological symptoms and enhance work productivity. As of our latest information, there are no existing programs accessible for this specific implementation in Malaysia. The specific objectives for this trial were as follows

1. To identify the efficacy of the mindfulness intervention in reducing the pain intensity of LBP among academic staffs.
2. To identify the efficacy of the mindfulness intervention in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms among academic staffs.
3. To identify the efficacy of the mindfulness intervention in improving work productivity among academic staffs.

Inclusion criteria

• All academic staff aged 28-50 years old
• Able to understand Malay language
• Reported moderate to severe symptom of anxiety with cut-off score of 16,
• Reported mild to severe symptoms of depression with cut-off score of 16
• Presence of LBP during past month with pain intensity should be at least >35mm using Visual analogue scale (VAS).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy or had planned to become pregnant in the coming months,
• History of trauma or accidents in the spinal region
• Medically diagnosed with congenital anomaly of the spine, rheumatoid arthritis, infections of the spine or discs, ankylosing spondylitis, spondylolisthesis, spondylosis, spinal tumor, systemic lupus erythymatosus, or osteoporosis.
• Had performed either spinal, intra-abdominal or femoral surgery.