The effects of strength exercise and walking on lumbar function, pain level, and body composition in chronic back pain patients

Abstract

The beneficial effects of a strength exercise program and a combined exercise program of strength training plus walking were examined in overweight with chronic back pain patients. The participants were randomly placed in the strength exercise group (SEG, n=15), combined exercise group (CEG, n=15), and control group (CG, n=6). All subjects performed exercise twice per week, 50 min per session with a professional instructors for 12 weeks. In order to evaluate exercise intervention effects, lumbar function was measured by back strength and flexibility. Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate pain level. Fat and muscle mass were measured to compare body composition changes. All measurements were performed before and after 12 weeks of exercise program. Lumbar function: Back strength was significantly different over time, and significant time×group differences were found between SEG and CG and, CEG and CG. Pain disorder degree: VAS showed a significant group difference, and significant time×group differences were shown between SEG and CG, and CEG and CG. Also, RMDG showed a significant difference between CEG and CG. Body composition: Fat mass was significantly different over time×group between SEG and CG. In conclusion, participating in strength and walking exercises were beneficial to improve lumbar function. Also, the combined exercise program was more effective for reducing pain levels than the strength exercise. Finally, fat mass was reduced in this study and this may play a possible role in the improvement of lumbar function and reduction in low back pain.

Effects of exercise therapy on muscular strength in firefighters with back pain

“…Pollock and Gettman 9 ) reported that weight training was a significant method for people with low back pain. Similar to this finding, Lee 10 ) used a resistance exercise and lumbar stabilizing exercise in increase lumbar strength and to reduce pain. These two researchers found the effects of weight bearing exercise enhanced lower back muscle strength.…”

“…Although, weight bearing exercise programs have many additional health benefits for low back patients, our study focused on 8-types of back stretching exercise. An increase in low back muscle flexibility would maximize the low back muscular strength, preventing low back pain and reducing the risk of injuries 10 ) . Therefore, muscular flexibility and balanced growth of muscular strength are the fundamental elements for of building a correct posture 9 ) .…”

Effectiveness of Back Exercise and Education for Lower Back Pain Prevention among Nurses at a Tertiary Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand

“…Our results were consistent with other studies indicating that strengthening exercises reduced pain and disability associated with LBP after 6 weeks to 12 months of the exercise program. [26][27][28][29][30][31] Likewise, core muscle strengthening for at least 3 months was beneficial in aspects of pain relief and functional improvement. Nevertheless, no significant difference was demonstrated in exercise groups up to 12 months compared with the exercise group of over 12 months for participants with chronic LBP.…”

Williams Flexion Exercise for Low Back Pain: A Possible Implementation in Rural Areas

“…Hashimoto et al found that objectively measured physical activity is negatively correlated to LBP [25]. Lee and Kang also stated that the combination of walking and strength exercise might improve LBP symptoms [26]. The effects of other forms of exercise, including walking, should be explored further in future studies.…”