For many years now, our research into the treatment of low back pain has showed an active recovery is much more effective than only rest. However now we are in a time where we ask the question: What is the BEST type of exercise for low back pain? Today I will briefly run through a piece of research that compared two different exercise programs and showed its effect on people with chronic low back pain.
The Research
This study completed early this year compared two different treatment strategies:
- Pain education with power-lifting inspired weighted exercise program. This included exercises like: Bench press, barbell back squats and leg press.
- Pain education with a body weight exercise program This included exercises like: Lunges, bridges and sit ups.
Each group completed one supervised and 3 unsupervised session per week and both were assessed on pain, disability, and psychosocial measures from 8weeks to 6 months
The Results
At all different points in time, there was no significant difference in the groups, both experienced small improvements with the most improvement shown between 0 and 8 weeks. These improvements were also maintained at the 6 month follow up in compliant patients. Reductions in pain and disability were associated with improvements in self-efficacy and fear scores.
The Take-homes
I think the main take home after this piece of research is that any movement is good in the improvement of chronic low back pain. The ‘low back’ is composed of many strong ligaments, tendons and muscles that keep is strong through movements, either loaded or body weight.
The other lesson to be learnt from this study is about consistency of exercise. The improvements in pain and function were seen long after the initial treatment session in those who continued their prescribed exercise programs. This highlights that maintain improvements stems from finding the right exercise program for you. Finding a program and activity that you enjoy doing and will keep doing is far more important for you in the long term.
At Bend + Mend we always look to tailor your exercise program to your specific goals to help you down the road to recovery. If you have any questions about the information in this blog, please don’t hesitate to contact the clinic.
