June 16, 2009 – Exercising can help provide relief for people with chronic back pain and, according to Canadian study1, the effect would be more marked when they train four days a week.
Researchers conducted a clinical trial with 240 participants with chronic lower back pain. The subjects were divided into four groups. Each group had a muscle rehab training program of two, three, or four days a week, or no program at all.
At the 13e week, people who trained four days a week experienced an improvement in their quality of life with a 28% decrease in the intensity of their pain and a 36% decrease in the degree of their physical disability. Those who trained two and three days a week achieved 14% and 18% reduction in pain, respectively.
The researchers assessed the intensity of the back pain, the degree of physical disability and the quality of life of the participants at the start of the study and then at the 9e and at the 13e week. Initially, there was no difference in these three aspects between the four groups. Participants did strength training with weights, either using machines or on the floor.
Physical activity that aims to strengthen the lower back and abdominal muscles is more effective than surgery in treating chronic lower back pain, according to a recent review.2.
Carole Boulé – PasseportSanté.net
According to EurekAlert.
1. Kell R, Barden J, et al. The Influence of Exercise Volume in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain Rehabilitation, University of Alberta. The results of the study were presented at the 56e American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting. United States, 2009.
2. On this subject, see our new Back pain: exercise more effective than surgery.