Effect of supervised and directed exercise on low back pain and functional activity

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: Next to the common cold, low back pain (LBP) is the most common reason that people visit a physician's office (Teyhen et al., 2007). With the prevalence of over 50% experiencing LBP during their lifetime and the costly nature of the pain, this study was to investigate the performance of spinal stabilization exercises in a supervised vs. non-supervised group setting. Twenty subjects (n = 20) completed the six week study of supervised (experimental) vs. unsupervised spinal stability exercises. Pre- and Post- tests were provided: 1) Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and 2) SF-36v2 Health Survey measuring functionality, and pain levels. Progressive exercise booklets were provided to each participant for the study. The analysis of 2 x 2 repeated measures ANOVA with Group at two levels and Time at two levels (pre and post) was conducted at .05 level of significance.

Findings and Conclusions: Overall results indicated that during the course of the six weeks of exercise overall pain was reduced with time and on one occasion between supervised and unsupervised groups. The Pre- and Post- ODI indicated statistical significance of pain (df (1, 18), .000 = p < .05) when time was the main factor. In addition, the General Health of the Health Survey (SF-36v2) test -- also was statistical significant (df (1, 18), .002 = p < .05) with both groups over time. The Physical Functioning of the Health Survey (SF-36v2) test demonstrated statistical significance (df (1, 18), .025 = p < .05) between groups and also with time (df (1, 18), .005 = p < .05). Lastly, the Bodily Pain of the Health Survey (SF36v2) test indicated statistically significance (df (1, 18), .001 = p < .05) with time.