Paper Title
PREVENTION OF LOW BACK PAIN THROUGH PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HEALTH WORKERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Abstract
Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis examines how physical exercise prevents low back pain in healthcare professionals and how it affects their quality of life. The review used data from multiple studies to understand how physical activity prevents low back pain. Methods: The authors performed a comprehensive search in various databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct, and ProQuest, for articles published between 2015-2023. Additionally, the authors critically assessed the selected studies and synthesized the data. This meta-analysis utilized odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) to determine the effect size. Results: A total of four studies met the inclusion criteria. The analysis comprised several investigations with a cumulative sample size of healthcare professionals. The meta-analysis found that health workers who participate in physical activity were 1.62 times more effective in preventing low back pain compared to those who do not engage in physical activity, with a confidence interval (95%CI) of 0.48–5.49. Engaging in physical activity helps avoid low back pain and enhances physical function, leading to an overall improvement in quality of life. The random-effects model was used due to the presence of high heterogeneity (I2 = 99%). Conclusions: Physical activity helps health workers avoid low back pain, leading to an enhancement in their overall quality of life. Health institutions should actively encourage and enable regular physical activity among their staff in order to reduce the incidence of low back pain, improve physical health, and promote overall well-being. Keywords: Prevention, Low Back Pain, Health Workers, Quality of Life.