Does Aerobic Training Enhance Effects of Spa Therapy in Back Pain Patients? A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluatethe effects of 3 weeks of individualized aerobic exercisetraining combined with conventional spa therapy on patients’assessment of chronic pain and quality of life. Patientsand Methods: 44 patients of either sex and advancedage (50-70 years) with chronic pain underwentan inpatient spa therapy in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria.Participants were randomized into 2 groups, a controlgroup receiving spa therapy alone, and a training groupcarrying out an additional aerobic training. Every participantperformed an exhaustive bicycle exercise test at thebeginning of the study. Subsequently, participants of thetraining group performed individualized training programs,controlled and documented by ambulatory heartrate monitors. At the beginning and the end of the studythe following outcome measures were assessed by useof questionnaires: positive and negative mood, generaldepression, health satisfaction, general pain, exhaustion,abdominal complaints, and cardiac pain. The results ofthe questionnaires were analyzed by use of a MANOVAto evaluate differences between the two groups. Results:We observed positive effects in all participants and on allparameters investigated after 3 weeks of spa therapy.However, no significant differences could be demonstratedbetween the two groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Individualizedaerobic training does not seem to enhancebeneficial effects of a 3-week spa therapy on chronic painand quality of life.