Physical activity in patients with nonspecific low back painin therapy

Abstract

Introduction. Kinesitherapy (KT) – one of the leading areas of patient care with chronic nonspecific (musculoskeletal pain) low back pain. For chronic lumbar pain, a standard KT is commonly used, that includes group sessions with a medical specialist. Often not taking into account the individual characteristics of patients, their attitude to KT, does not use a backpain education program in combination with KT (extended KT). Physical activity and hypodynamia are compared in patients with chronic nonspecificlow back pain in standard KT and extended KT.Aim of study is to assess the effectiveness of the standard and extended KT in the enhancement of physical activity.Materials and methods. 71 patients were observed (17 men and 54 women, average age 55.09 ± 13 years) with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Patients received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as painkillers. 34 patients received a standard KT, 37 patients – an extended KT. Patients were asked to complete the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) at baseline, after 7 days and 90 days.Results and discussion. In the extended KT group, physical activity increased from 11 (7–16) points to 16 (13–19) points after 7 days (p = 0.001) and up to 23 (15–26) points after 3 months (p = 0.0002). There has been a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of patients with hypodynamy (p = 0.0015). There is no statistically significant increase in physical activity in the standard therapy group. The use of NSAIDs in non-specific low back pain is discussed, the effectiveness of the use of dexketoprofen (Dexalgin) during lumbar pain is noted.Conclusion. In the case of nonspecific low back pain, the extended KTimprovesphysical activity and reduce hypodynamy.