Enhancing function in older adults with chronic low back pain: a pilot study of endurance training.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of a bicycle endurance program in older adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and to identify correlates of exercise adherence.


METHODS
Prospective cohort.


METHODS
Residential facilities and a tertiary care hospital.


METHODS
Adults with CLBP aged 55 years and older. Of 29 subjects who agreed to participate, 3 (10%) were deemed ineligible at baseline. Nineteen subjects (73%) were women, and the median age was 72 years.


METHODS
Subjects were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks by using standardized questionnaires, physical examination, and endurance testing by a physical therapist. Subjects received a bicycle and instructions to exercise 3 times a week for 12 weeks at a set wattage. A trained rescarcher collected exercise data weekly. Main outcome measures The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), the lumbar spinal stenosis symptom severity and function scales, and kilocalories were used to assess change.


RESULTS
At baseline, subjects were moderately impaired (mean SF-36 physical function score, 52.6). Eighteen (65%) completed the trial. At 12 weeks, physical functioning (SF-36) improved by 11%, mental health (Mental Health Inventory 5-Item Questionnaire) improved by 14%, and CLBP symptoms decreased by 8%. Reasons for withdrawing included illness, family issues, and bicycle-related discomfort.


CONCLUSIONS
The bicycle program was safe and effective for improving functional status and well-being.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010808:Physical Examination; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome