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GP Evidence Summary
Exercise programs that focus on coordination/stabilization or strength/resistance can improve chronic low back pain
This Evidence Summary is based on the following systematic review:
Searle A, Spink M, Ho A, et al. Exercise interventions for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Clin Rehabil. 2015 Dec;29(12):1155-67. doi: 10.1177/0269215515570379. Epub 2015 Feb 13. PubMed
Review questions
In people with chronic low back pain, which types of exercise are best for reducing pain?
Background
Low back pain is very common and may be due to individual characteristics (e.g., injury), psychological/sociological factors (e.g., stress), or work-related factors (e.g., heavy lifting). However, the cause of low back pain for an individual is often unknown.
Treatment of low back pain is difficult and often not very effective.
How the review was done
The researchers did a systematic review based on studies available up to October 2014.
They found 45 randomized controlled trials with 4,462 people.
The key features of the studies were:
- people were 30 to 63 years of age;
- trials were 1.5 to 18 weeks long;
- exercise programs were categorized as coordination/stabilization (e.g., balance and agility), strength/resistance (strengthening major muscle groups), aerobic “cardio” exercise (exercise through continuous motion of major muscle groups), and exercises that combine various components (e.g., yoga); and
- exercise was compared with usual activities, care by family doctors, ultrasound or laser therapy, or manipulative therapies such as physiotherapy and massage.
What the researchers found
Compared with control, low back pain was improved by:
- exercise that focused on coordination/stabilization;
- exercise that focused on strength/resistance; and
- exercises that combined various components.
Compared with control, low back pain was not improved by aerobic "cardio" exercise.
Conclusions
In people with chronic low back pain, exercise programs that focus on coordination/stabilization or strength/resistance can improve low back pain.
Exercise for chronic low back pain
Exercise type | Number of trials (and people) | Change in pain* |
|---|---|---|
All | 39 (4,109) | Small improvement. |
Coordination/stabilization | 12 (1,343) | Small improvement. |
Strength/resistance | 11 (885) | Medium improvement. |
Aerobic "cardio" | 6 (469) | No difference. |
Combined | 14 (1,566) | Very small. |
*Based on standard mean differences (SMD); very small = less than 0.2 SMD, small = 0.2 to 0.49 SMD, medium = 0.5 to 0.79 SMD, large = 0.8 or more SMD.
This Evidence Summary was originally prepared for the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal.
Published: Friday, July 28, 2017
Please note that the information contained herein is not to be interpreted as an alternative to medical advice from a professional healthcare provider. If you have any questions about any medical matter, you should consult your professional healthcare providers, and should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medication based on information provided here.
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, McMaster University