The effect of non-weight bearing group-exercising on females with non-specific chronic low back pain: A randomized single blind controlled pilot study

Abstract

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of active non-weight-bearing (NWB) group exercising on women with non specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).

Methods:

Forty females with NSCLBP were assigned in a randomized control longitudinal single blinded pilot study. 20 of them were assigned to a NWB bi-weekly group exercise class and 20 females were included in the control group. The exercises involved the entire lumbo-pelvic spine aimed at improving lumbar mobility/flexibility and stability. Pain intensity (VAS), back specific disability (Rolland Morris questionnaire-RMQ), and lumbar flexion and extension ranges of motion measurements were taken prior to intervention ( ${\mathit{t}}_0$ ), immediately following 4 weeks of intervention ( ${\mathit{t}}_1$ ) and 8 weeks later ( ${\mathit{t}}_{\mathit{f}\mathit{u}}$ ). Reliability trials were conducted on 10 females. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical significance ( $\mathit{p}\mathrm{<}0.05$ ).

Results:

The following significant changes in outcome measures were indicated at ${\mathit{t}}_1$ compared with ${\mathit{t}}_0$ and control group ( $\mathit{p}\mathrm{<}0.001$ ): an increase in lumbar flexion and extension (mean difference=9.26° (+54%) for flexion and 5.95° for extension (+98%)); reduction in VAS score (mean difference=2.32 (+58%)) and RMQ score (mean difference=4.9 (−34%)). All changes remained significant at ${\mathit{t}}_{\mathit{f}\mathit{u}}$ . At ${\mathit{t}}_0$ , lumbar flexion was correlated with extension ( $\mathit{r}=0.547$ ) and VAS ( $\mathit{r}=-0.581$ ), whereas the RMQ score correlated with VAS score ( $\mathit{r}=0.599$ ) and negatively with lumbar extension ( $\mathit{r}=-0.665$ ). At ${\mathit{t}}_1$ , lumbar flexion correlated with extension ( $\mathit{r}=0.664$ ) and negatively with RMQ score ( $\mathit{r}=-0.54$ ). At ${\mathit{t}}_{\mathit{f}\mathit{u}}$ , changes in VAS score were negatively correlated with changes in lumbar flexion ( $\mathit{r}=-0.522$ ), while changes in lumbar flexion correlated with extension ( $\mathit{r}=0.58$ ).

Conclusions:

A functional program of NWB group exercising improves functional, painful status, lumbar flexion and extension ranges of motion in women suffering from NSCLBP.