The effect of non-weight bearing group-exercising on females with non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomized single blind controlled pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of active non-weight-bearing (NWB) group exercising on women with non specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).


METHODS
Forty females with NSCLBP were assigned in a randomized control longitudinal single blinded pilot study. 20 of them were assigned to a NWB bi-weekly group exercise class and 20 females were included in the control group. The exercises involved the entire lumbo-pelvic spine aimed at improving lumbar mobility/flexibility and stability. Pain intensity (VAS), back specific disability (Rolland Morris questionnaire-RMQ), and lumbar flexion and extension ranges of motion measurements were taken prior to intervention (t(0)), immediately following 4 weeks of intervention (t(1)) and 8 weeks later (t(fu)). Reliability trials were conducted on 10 females. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical significance (p < 0.05).


RESULTS
The following significant changes in outcome measures were indicated at t(1) compared with t(0) and control group (p < 0.001): an increase in lumbar flexion and extension (mean difference = 9.26◦ (+54%) for flexion and 5.95◦ for extension(+98%)); reduction in VAS score (mean difference = 2.32 (+58%)) and RMQ score (mean difference = 4.9 (−34%)). All changes remained significant at t(fu). At t(0), lumbar flexion was correlated with extension (r = 0.547) and VAS (r = −0.581),whereas the RMQ score correlated with VAS score (r = 0.599) and negatively with lumbar extension (r = −0.665). At t(1),lumbar flexion correlated with extension (r = 0.664) and negatively with RMQ score (r = −0.54). At t(fu), changes in VAS score were negatively correlated with changes in lumbar flexion (r = −0.522), while changes in lumbar flexion correlated with extension (r = 0.58).


CONCLUSIONS
A functional program of NWB group exercising improves functional, painful status, lumbar flexion and extension ranges of motion in women suffering from NSCLBP.
Spinal Research Lab., Department of Physiotherapy, The Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Jaffa, Israel.
Youssef
Y
Masharawi
Nedal
N
Nadaf
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Low back pain; NWB group exercising; Rolland Morris; VAS; lumbar flexion and extension