title: The effects of a free-weight-based resistance training intervention on pain, squat biomechanics and MRI-defined lumbar fat infiltration and functional cross-sectional area in those with chronic low back.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Low back pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions in the world. Many exercise treatment options exist but few interventions have utilised free-weight resistance training. To investigate the effects of a free-weight-based resistance training intervention on pain and lumbar fat infiltration in those with chronic low back pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty participants entered the study, 11 females (age=39.6±12.4 years, height=164 cm±5.3 cm, body mass=70.9±8.2 kg,) and 19 males (age=39.7±9.7 years, height=179±5.9 cm, body mass=86.6±15.9 kg). A 16-week, progressive, free-weight-based resistance training intervention was used. Participants completed three training sessions per week. Participants completed a Visual Analogue Pain Scale, Oswestry Disability Index and Euro-Qol V2 quality of life measure at baseline and every 4 weeks throughout the study. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic measures were used for biomechanical analysis of a bodyweight squat movement. Maximum strength was measured using an isometric mid-thigh pull, and lumbar paraspinal endurance was measured using a Biering-Sorensen test. Lumbar paraspinal fat infiltration was measured preintervention and postintervention using MRIs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Postintervention pain, disability and quality of life were all significantly improved. In addition, there was a significant reduction in fat infiltration at the L3L4 and L4L5 levels and increase in lumbar extension time to exhaustion of 18%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A free-weight-based resistance training intervention can be successfully utilised to improve pain, disability and quality of life in those with low back pain.
authors.affiliation: Sports Medicine Department, Sports Surgery Clinic, Dublin, Ireland; INSIGHT Research Centre, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; Sports Surgery Clinic, Santry Demesne, Dublin 9, Ireland.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-6678-6198
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Welch
authors.affiliation: INSIGHT Research Centre, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Kieran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moran
authors.affiliation: INSIGHT Research Centre, Dublin City University , Dublin , Ireland.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Antony
authors.affiliation: INSIGHT Research Centre, Dublin City University , Dublin , Ireland.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.affiliation: Sports Medicine Department, Sports Surgery Clinic, Dublin, Ireland; School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Brendan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.affiliation: Sports Medicine Department , Sports Surgery Clinic , Dublin , Ireland.
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Coyle
authors.affiliation: Sports Medicine Department, Sports Surgery Clinic, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: Eanna
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Falvey
authors.affiliation: Sports Medicine Department, Sports Surgery Clinic, Dublin, Ireland; Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Franklyn-Miller
keywords: Back injuries; Biomechanics; Fat percentage; MRI