Does aerobic training enhance effects of spa therapy in back pain patients? A randomized, controlled clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 3 weeks of individualized aerobic exercise training combined with conventional spa therapy on patients' assessment of chronic pain and quality of life.


METHODS
44 patients of either sex and advanced age (50-70 years) with chronic pain underwent an inpatient spa therapy in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria. Participants were randomized into 2 groups, a control group receiving spa therapy alone, and a training group carrying out an additional aerobic training. Every participant performed an exhaustive bicycle exercise test at the beginning of the study. Subsequently, participants of the training group performed individualized training programs, controlled and documented by ambulatory heart rate monitors. At the beginning and the end of the study the following outcome measures were assessed by use of questionnaires: positive and negative mood, general depression, health satisfaction, general pain, exhaustion, abdominal complaints, and cardiac pain. The results of the questionnaires were analyzed by use of a MANOVA to evaluate differences between the two groups.


RESULTS
We observed positive effects in all participants and on all parameters investigated after 3 weeks of spa therapy. However, no significant differences could be demonstrated between the two groups (all p > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Individualized aerobic training does not seem to enhance beneficial effects of a 3-week spa therapy on chronic pain and quality of life.
Leibetseder
Valentin
V
Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institut zur Erforschung physiologischer Rhythmen, Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Abteilung für Umweltphysiologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria. Valentin.Leibetseder@meduniwien.ac.at
Strauss-Blasche
Gerhard
G
Marktl
Wolfgang
W
Ekmekcioglu
Cem
C
D000368:Aged; D001416:Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome