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PubMed · 8809924

Exercise programs for subjects with low back disorders.

E Mälkiä·A E Ljunggren
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Abstract

Exercise has played a central role in rehabilitation of subjects with low back pain. The research in this field has intensified since the 1980s. Low back pain has been associated with both physically stressful and sedentary occupations. There is no clear association between low back pain and physical activity during leisure time. Many studies have shown that subjects with back pain have impairments in muscular and connective tissue, functional limitations in muscular strength, endurance, speed, and neuromuscular functions, and physical, social and psychological disabilities. The ultimate aims of the exercise-based programs are to reduce and prevent these impairments, functional limitations and disabilities. The results of controlled studies with exercise programs have shown a positive effect on physical impairments and functional limitations for subjects with chronic low back pain. The outcome of exercise programs has not been so positive for disability, defined as an inability or a limitation in performance in social interactions including occupational activities.

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Exercise TherapyHumansLow Back PainMuscle, SkeletalPhysical FitnessRecurrenceTreatment OutcomeJournal ArticleReview

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BibTeXRIS

E Mälkiä, A E Ljunggren. 1996. Exercise programs for subjects with low back disorders.. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.1996.tb00074.x

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PubMed2000

Exercise therapy for low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Exercise therapy is a widely used treatment for low back pain. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of exercise therapy for low back pain with regard to pain intensity, functional status, overall improvement and return to work. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (1999, issue 1), MEDLINE (1966 - April 1999), EMBASE (1988 - September 1998), PsycLIT (from 1984 to April 1999) and reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of all types of exercise therapy for subjects with non-specific low back pain with or without radiation into the legs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Because trials were considered heterogeneous with regard to study populations, interventions and outcomes, we decided not to perform a meta-analysis but to summarise the results using a rating system of four levels of evidence (strong, moderate, limited or no evidence). MAIN RESULTS: 39 RCTs were identified. There is strong evidence that exercise therapy is not more effective than inactive or other active treatments it has been compared with for acute low back pain. There is conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of exercise therapy compared with inactive treatments for chronic low back pain. Exercise therapy was more effective than usual care by the general practitioner and equally effective as conventional physiotherapy for chronic low back pain. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The evidence summarised in this systematic review does not indicate that specific exercises are effective for the treatment of acute low back pain. Exercises may be helpful for chronic low back pain patients to increase return to normal daily activities and work.

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PubMed2000

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