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

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 (t-{0}), immediately following 4 weeks of intervention (t-{1}) and 8 weeks later (t-{fu}). Reliability trials were conducted on 10 females. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical significance (p< 0.05). RESULTS: The following significant changes in outcome measures were indicated at t-{1} compared with t-{0} and control group (p< 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 t-{fu}. At t-{0}, lumbar flexion was correlated with extension (r=0.547) and VAS (r=-0.581), whereas the RMQ score correlated with VAS score (r=0.599) and negatively with lumbar extension (r=-0.665). At t-{1}, lumbar flexion correlated with extension (r=0.664) and negatively with RMQ score (r=-0.54). At t-{fu}, changes in VAS score were negatively correlated with changes in lumbar flexion (r=-0.522), while changes in lumbar flexion correlated with extension (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.