THE US-NAVY HEALTHY BACK PROGRAM - EFFECT ON BACK KNOWLEDGE AMONG RECRUITS

This study assessed the immediate effects of the U.S. Navy's Healthy B ack Program in changing knowledge about back injury prevention. The pr evalence of back problems among incoming recruits and correlates of ba ck pain also were examined. Intervention recruits (n = 1,772) received the Healthy Back Program presentation, then completed a questionnaire . Control subjects (n = 1,658) completed an identical questionnaire bu t received no presentation. Intervention recruits scored significantly higher on back knowledge (67%) than controls (50%). About 41% of all recruits had experienced a back problem, 27% reported at least one bac k problem within the past year, and 11% reported back pain during recr uit training. Lifting, sports participation, and bending were the lead ing causes of previous back problems. Better self-reported health and fitness were associated with fewer low back problems.