Computer Simulation Study Helps Assess Interventions to Reduce the Burden of Low Back Pain
October 4, 2022 (Vancouver) — Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. A study conducted by Arthritis Research Canada sought to examine the impact of three strategies intended to reduce the burden of lower back pain (LBP) along with a secondary goal of determining the usefulness of a new microsimulation modeling software, SimYouLate. The software is easy to use, doesn’t require a programming background and is particularly suitable for population health modeling.
SimYouLate was used to calculate the difference in predicted number of years lived with disability when interventions were not applied and the predicted number of years lived with disability with each intervention applied to determine the impact of the different intervention strategies.
The three intervention strategies included weight loss, ergonomic interventions, and an exercise program. While all three strategies provided benefit, the study found that a one unit reduction in body mass index per year among people who are overweight or obese is equivalent to an effective workplace intervention in 35% of workers, and an exercise program in 27% of patients with back problems.
“The study confirms the importance of exercise, workplace interventions, and maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce the burden of lower back pain,” said Arthritis Research Canada Senior Scientist, Dr. Jacek Kopec. “We also have demonstrated the usefulness of new software for microsimulation modeling. We are optimistic that this technology can spur on more studies to help us evaluate other healthcare interventions and policies.”
To learn more about this research, please click here.
