EXERCISES FOR CHRONIC LOW-BACK-PAIN - A CLINICAL-TRIAL

Different training models are effective for the treatment of chronic l ow back pain, but no consensus has been found. Earlier studies have em phasized training of spinal mobility and back strength, To evaluate if other physiological parameters, such as coordination, are oi equal im portance, we performed a randomized trial on 40 consecutive patients w ith chronic low back pain. Two training models were compared: 1) inten sive training of muscle endurance and 2) muscle training, including co ordination. In both groups, training was performed 1 hour twice a week for 3 months. Pain score, disability score, and spinal mobility impro ved in both training groups without differences between the two groups . Only intensive training oi muscle endurance improved isokinetic back muscle strength. At study entry, we found a significant correlation b etween spinal mobility and dysfunction, but after the training, no cor relation was found between improvement of spinal mobility or isokineti c back extension strength and improvement of function or pain level. W e conclude that coordination training for patients with chronic low ba ck pain is as equally effective as endurance training.