The U.S. Navy Healthy Back Program: effect on back knowledge among recruits.

This study assessed the immediate effects of the U.S. Navy's Healthy Back Program in changing knowledge about back injury prevention. The prevalence of back problems among incoming recruits and correlates of back 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 but 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 back problem within the past year, and 11% reported back pain during recruit training. Lifting, sports participation, and bending were the leading causes of previous back problems. Better self-reported health and fitness were associated with fewer low back problems.