The association of pain with aerobic fitness in patients with chronic low back pain.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association of aerobic fitness (VO(2)max) with pain intensity as reported by a sample of patients with chronic low back pain (LBP).


METHODS
Cross-sectional with partial longitudinal follow-up.


METHODS
Outpatient interdisciplinary pain management program in a teaching hospital.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 75 patients with chronic LBP.


METHODS
Patients reported pain intensity before and after undergoing a modified treadmill test. Peak VO(2) was measured by using indirect calorimetry. Predicted VO(2)max was determined by extrapolating peak VO(2) and heart rate values during testing to predicted maximal heart rate.


METHODS
Aerobic fitness and pain intensity before and after testing.


RESULTS
No significant relation was found between pain intensity and predicted VO(2)max or aerobic fitness.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no association between pain intensity and aerobic fitness. Deconditioning, defined as a lack of cardiovascular fitness levels normal for age and gender, therefore does not contribute to pain intensity in patients with chronic LBP.
Wittink
Harriët
H
Pain Management Program, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA. hwittink@lifespan.org
Michel
Theresa Hoskins
TH
Sukiennik
Andrew
A
Gascon
Celeste
C
Rogers
William
W
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010809:Physical Fitness