Naser Rahimi, Dr Gholamali Ghasemi, Mohsen Eshaghian, Dr Azar Aghayari,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (10-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Back pain is one of the most common and most costly occupational injuries. Due to the nature of nursing career, low- back pain is highly prevalent in nurses. The aim of this study was to survey the prevalence of low-back pain and its correlation with nurses’ demographic characteristics and occupational factors in hospitals of Isfahan, Iran.
Material and Methods: This descriptive- co relational study was conducted on 244 out of 260 nurses selected via stratified random sampling. Using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Functional Disability Questionnaire (ODQ), the Pain and functional disability variables were measured, respectively. To analyze the data, we used independent t-test and correlation coefficient-(p<0.05).
Results: The findings showed that 55% of the nurses have different intensity of low back pain (LBP). The LBP and monthly working hours (r=0.55), LBP and functional disability (r=0.53), LBP and age(r =0.30), and LBP and record of services (0.29) were significantly correlated, But it was not the case for LBP and gender.
Conclusion: Based on the findings that about 55% of the nurses suffer from low- back pain, it seems that a comprehensive change in life style and physical activity pattern of the nurses are paramount importance.
Mahdi Rezvaniamin , Alireza Salar , Zahra Pournamdar , Nazanin Yousefian ,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background: Headache is common in multiple sclerosis and is associated with greater functional disability. We aimed to determine whether a structured progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) program reduces headache-related disability in multiple sclerosis.
Methods: We conducted a parallel-group, quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study at Multiple Sclerosis Society clinics in Zahedan, Iran (2023). Adults with MS and recurrent headaches were allocated to PMR (n = 30) or usual care (n = 30). The PMR intervention comprised three 20 - 30-minute group sessions on consecutive days plus daily home practice for six weeks; adherence was supported by weekly phone calls. The primary outcome was the Headache Disability Inventory (HDI; 0 - 88), measured at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 24 and employed χ² tests and ANCOVA, adjusting for baseline HDI and disease duration (α = 0.05).
Results: Sixty participants completed the trial (30 in the PMR group and 30 in the control group). The groups were comparable in age and gender at baseline; however, disease duration was significantly longer in the PMR group (p = 0.014). At the 3-month follow-up, HDI scores showed a significant decrease in the PMR group (21.5 ± 15.6) and a significant increase in the control group (45.1 ± 16.9), resulting in a significant between-group difference (p < 0.001). An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for baseline HDI scores and disease duration, confirmed a significant treatment effect (F = 25.07, p < 0.001) with a large effect size (partial η2 = 0.305).
Conclusion: A six-week progressive muscle relaxation program significantly reduced headache-related disability at 3-month follow-up in multiple sclerosis and appears to be a feasible, low-cost adjunct to routine care. Larger randomized trials with longer follow-up and objective adherence tracking are warranted.
