Effects of two training programs on health variables in adults with chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial.

Aim: To analyze the effects of two training programs on health variables in adults with low back pain (LBP). Methods: Thirty-eight adults were randomly divided into three groups: resistance training (RG); resistance training with core training (RCG) and control (CG). Results: There were reductions in body mass index (BMI) in RG and RCG, waist circumference in RG and RCG, pain in RG, RCG and CG, CK in RCG, stress in RG and RCG, functional deficiency in RG and RCG and increases in trunk flexor and extensor strength in the RG and RCG. Conclusion: Resistance training, with or without core training exercises, reduced the levels of LBP, functional disability, stress and CK, and increased the strength of trunk flexors and extensors. Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: ReBEC (RBR-5khzxz).

Resistance and core exercises can be an alternative treatment for adults with low back pain (LBP) that does not require any medicines. This study was designed to test the effectiveness of different exercise regimens on the health of people with low back pain. We divided adults with LBP into three groups: resistance training, resistance training with core training and a control group. We assessed the health of the participants by measuring certain chemicals in their blood samples, pain intensity, functional disability, perceived stress level and muscle strength. After 4 weeks, there were reductions in body mass index, waist circumference, pain, creatine kinase (CK ­ a natural chemical found in the bloodstream that may be higher when muscles are stressed or damaged), stress, functional impairment and increases in the strength of muscles involved in flexing the trunk (torso) in both intervention groups. Therefore, resistance training, with or without basic training exercises, is an effective form of treatment to reduce LBP.

Kinesiophobia and functionality perception in postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain / Cinesiofobia e percepção de funcionalidade em mulheres na pós-menopausa portadoras de lombalgia crônica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low back pain is the main cause of global disability and is prevalent in women, tending to increase after menopause. The present study aimed to analyze the correlation between body mass index, muscle strength, kinesiophobia, estradiol, functional disability, and low back pain perception in postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Twenty-two postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain were evaluated. Abdominal and lower back strength were assessed using isometric tests. Basal serum estradiol levels were analyzed using the chemiluminescence method. Kinesiophobia, low back pain perception, and low back functional disability were determined using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the visual analog scale, and the Roland Morris Questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: The Spearman correlation test showed correlations between the levels of kinesiophobia and the value of body mass (rho= -0.513; p=0.015) and the levels of kinesiophobia and the values of body mass index (rho= -0.576; p=0.005). There was correlation between the levels of kinesiophobia and perception of lumbar functional disability (rho= 0.434; p=0.043). No significant correlations were found between the variables of muscle strength, estradiol, and low back pain perception. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with low back pain who have higher body mass and body mass index values tend to present lower levels of kinesiophobia. There is a direct relationship between the fear of moving or maintaining a specific position and the perception of the functionality and safety of the lumbar spine.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor lombar é a principal causa de incapacidade global e possui prevalência em mulheres, tendendo a aumentar após a menopausa. O presente estudo objetivou analisar as associações entre índice de massa corporal, força muscular, cinesiofobia, estradiol, incapacidade funcional e percepção de dor lombar em mulheres na pós-menopausa com dor lombar crônica. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 22 mulheres na pós-menopausa diagnosticadas com dor lombar crônica. A força abdominal e dos extensores da coluna foi avaliada por meio de testes isométricos. Os níveis séricos basais de estradiol foram analisados pelo método de quimiluminescência. A cinesiofobia, a percepção de dor e a incapacidade funcional lombar foram determinadas pela Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, escala analógica visual e Roland Morris Questionnaire, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: O teste de correlação de Spearman mostrou associações entre os níveis de cinesiofobia e os valores de massa corporal total (rho=-0,513; p=0,015) e os níveis de cinesiofobia e os valores de índice de massa corporal (rho=-0,576; p=0,005). Foi encontrada correlação entre os níveis de cinesiofobia e de percepção de incapacidade funcional lombar (rho=0,434; p=0,043). Não houve correlações significativas entre as variáveis força muscular, estradiol e percepção de dor. CONCLUSÃO: Mulheres na pós-menopausa com dor lombar crônica que apresentam maiores valores de massa corporal total e índice de massa corporal tendem a apresentar menores níveis de cinesiofobia. Existe relação direta entre o medo de se movimentar ou permanecer em uma posição específica e a percepção de funcionalidade e segurança da coluna lombar.