Exercise interventions for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Searle, Angela; Spink, Martin; Ho, Alan; Chuter, Vivienne
• Is Part Of: Clinical rehabilitation. Volume 29:Number 12(2015)
• Page Start: 1155
• Page End: 1167
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Chronic low back pain -- exercise -- systematic review -- meta-analysis; Medical rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.1177/0269215515570379
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-2155

Abstract

Objective: To determine, for adults with chronic low back pain, which exercise interventions are the most effective at reducing pain compared to other treatments. Data sources: A search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO and The Cochrane Library was conducted up to October 2014. Review methods: Databases were searched for published reports of randomised trials that investigated the treatment of chronic low back pain of non-specific origin with an exercise intervention. Two authors independently reviewed and selected relevant trials. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Downs and Black tool. Results: Forty-five trials met the inclusion criteria and thirty-nine were included in the meta-analysis. Combined meta-analysis revealed significantly lower chronic low back pain with intervention groups using exercise compared to a control group or other treatment group (Standard Mean Deviation (SMD) =-0.32, CI 95% -0.44 to -0.19, P <0.01). Separate exploratory subgroup analysis showed a significant effect for strength/resistance and coordination/stabilisation programs. Conclusions: Our results found a beneficial effect for strength/resistance and coordination/stabilisation exercise programs over other interventions in the treatment of chronic low back pain and that cardiorespiratory and combined exercise programs are ineffective.