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Table 16 Results of different exercise types compared to control interventions for pain and disability. Resistance exercises

From: Summarizing the effects of different exercise types in chronic low back pain – a systematic review of systematic reviews

Author (year)

Study quality

Outcome measures

Results pain

Results disability

Original review authors conclusions

Kristensen & Franklyn-Miller (2012) [13]

AMSTAR-2 Critically low

Pain:

NR

Disability:

NR

Follow-up:

Post-intervention

Pain scores decreased in 8 trials at post-intervention

Functional ability increased in 7 trials at post-intervention

Evidence suggests that RT can increase muscle strength, reduce pain and improve functional ability in patients suffering from CLBP, RT can be used successfully as a therapeutic modality in several musculoskeletal conditions, especially those of a chronic variety. Although the exact application of training intensity and volume for maximal therapeutic effects is still unclear, it appears that RT guidelines, which have proven effective in a healthy population, can also be successfully applied in a rehabilitation context.

Scharrer et al. (2012) [64]

AMSTAR-2 Moderate

Pain:

NR

Disability:

NR

Follow-up:

Short term: < 3 mo after randomization

Intermediate term: 4–12 mo after randomization

Long term: > 12 mo

Resistance training > control

Resistance training = CBI

Both trials, one was of high quality, found MTT to decrease pain better that therapy of uncertain effectiveness, but equal to a cognitive behavioral intervention

Resistance training > control

Resistance training = CBI

Both trials, one was of high quality, found MTT to improve function significantly better that therapy of uncertain effectiveness, but equal to a cognitive behavioral intervention

There is moderate evidence that a combination of endurance training and progressive resistance training of the back muscles is more effective than no intervention, but equal effective as a cognitive behavioral intervention. Future high quality RCT’s will have to clarify whether MTT is effective and would be superior to other forms of therapeutic exercise.

Weinhardt et al. (2001) [39]

AMSTAR-2 low

Pain:

NR

Disability:

NR

Follow-up: NR

Resistance training > passive treatment

Resistance training = fitness

Compared to passive treatment or no treatment, significant improvement in pain. No difference in effects between fitness and strength training

Resistance training > passive treatment

Resistance training = fitness

Compared to passive treatment or no treatment, significant increase in function. No difference in effects between fitness and strength training

In comparison with passive treatment or no treatment, there is strong evidence for the benefit of resistance training, but non-specific fitness training is comparable effective in rehabilitation.

  1. Abbreviations: CBI Cognitive Behaviour Intervention, CLBP Chronic Low Back Pain, NR Not Reported, MTT Minimal intervention, RCT Randomized Clinical Trial, RT Resistance training