The effect of exercise in chronic low back pain: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if a structured exercise program promotes improved performance on activities of daily living (ADL) and pain perception in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP).


METHODS
Prospective pilot study of patients referred to the San Juan VA Medical Center rehabilitation clinics with CLBP from January 1 to March 31, 2001, without neurological deficit or back surgery.


METHODS
The therapeutic program consisted of warm up/cool down calisthenics, stretching, back isometric and stabilization exercises and aerobic walking.


METHODS
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) were used to measure pain intensity and disability before and after the training period.


RESULTS
Six patients completed the study. Back pain intensity and functional disability decreased immediately upon completing the program, and such changes persisted (statistically significant) upon follow up evaluation.


CONCLUSIONS
A well guided exercise program can decrease pain intensity perception and disability in patients with CLBP.
Cruz Jiménez
Maricarmen
M
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, San Juan VA Medical Center.
Urquía
Maité
M
D002908:Chronic Disease; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies