Feasibility of high intensity training in nonspecific chronic low back pain: A clinical trial

Jonas Verbrugghe*, Anouk Agten, Bert O. Eijnde, Enzo Olivieri, Xavier Huybrechts, Henk Seelen, Frank Vandenabeele, Annick Timmermans

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although low to moderate intensity exercise therapy is a predominant part of rehabilitation in nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP), effect sizes are small and optimal exercise modalities/intensities are unclear. Conversely, effects of high intensity training have not yet been investigated in this population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of high intensity training (HIT) and to explore the magnitude of the effects of a HIT program on exercise capacity and disease related outcome measures compared to conventional therapy for persons with NSCLBP.

METHODS: In this non-randomized controlled feasibility study, treatment satisfaction, adherence, disability, pain, physical activity, body composition, exercise capacity and self-reported motivation, were assessed in persons with NSCLBP, before (PRE) and after (POST) 6 weeks (12 sessions, 1.5 hours/session, 2 x/week) of high intensity cardiovascular (100% VO2Max) and high load resistance (80% 1RM) training (HIT, n = 10) and compared to average intensity/load (60% VO2max) conventional physical therapy (CON, n = 10).

RESULTS: At PRE, CON and HIT did not differ, except for gender ratio and lean mass. Compared to CON, HIT retained motivation to rehabilitate better (HIT: +3%; CON: -25%) and had higher therapy adherence (+16%) during the study course. No adverse events were noted in both groups. Whereas disability reduced in both groups (HIT: -10.4%; CON: -8.3%), peak workload (+7.0%), time to exhaustion (+9.5%), and activity level (+5.6%) only improved in HIT.

CONCLUSIONS: High intensity exercise therapy appears to be a feasible rehabilitation approach in NSCLBP. Outcomes improved following the HIT protocol, warranting the investigation of its effectiveness in future large scale RCT studies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)657-666
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Low back pain
  • rehabilitation
  • high intensity
  • exercise therapy
  • PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY SCALE
  • AEROBIC EXERCISE
  • DAILY-LIFE
  • DISABILITY
  • MOTIVATION
  • REHABILITATION
  • INTERVENTIONS
  • INDIVIDUALS
  • ADAPTATIONS
  • VALIDATION

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