Effects of two Training Programs on Health Variables in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the effects of two training programs on health variables in adults with low back pain (LBP). Methods: Thirty-eight adults were randomly divided into three groups: resistance training (RG); resistance training with core training (RCG) and control (CG). Results: There were reductions in body mass index (BMI) in RG and RCG, waist circumference in RG and RCG, pain in RG, RCG and CG, CK in RCG, stress in RG and RCG, functional deficiency in RG and RCG and increases in trunk flexor and extensor strength in the RG and RCG. Conclusion: Resistance training, with or without core training exercises, reduced the levels of LBP, functional disability, stress and CK, and increased the strength of trunk flexors and extensors.

Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: ReBEC (RBR-5khzxz)

Lay abstract

Resistance and core exercises can be an alternative treatment for adults with low back pain (LBP) that does not require any medicines. This study was designed to test the effectiveness of different exercise regimens on the health of people with low back pain. We divided adults with LBP into three groups: resistance training, resistance training with core training and a control group. We assessed the health of the participants by measuring certain chemicals in their blood samples, pain intensity, functional disability, perceived stress level and muscle strength. After 4 weeks, there were reductions in body mass index, waist circumference, pain, creatine kinase (CK – a natural chemical found in the bloodstream that may be higher when muscles are stressed or damaged), stress, functional impairment and increases in the strength of muscles involved in flexing the trunk (torso) in both intervention groups. Therefore, resistance training, with or without basic training exercises, is an effective form of treatment to reduce LBP.

Keywords::

• core training
• functional disability
• low back pain
• musculoskeletal pain
• rehabilitation
• resistance training

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained appropriate institutional review board approval or have followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for all human or animal experimental investigations. In addition, for investigations involving human subjects, informed consent has been obtained from the participants involved.

Data sharing statement

The authors certify that this manuscript reports original clinical trial data (ReBEC: RBR-5khzxz). Data including sample characterization, study protocol, and statistical analysis plan will be available from the time of publication. Please direct requests to the journal editor or the corresponding author.