Physical Activity Levels After Functional Resistance Training Program In Subjects With Low-back Pain

Abstract

People with chronic low-back pain usually have functional disability due to pain. This conditions and facts could negatively affect the levels of physical activity and energy expenditure from daily life. PURPOSE: To identify changes in levels of physical activity and energy expenditure in daily life produced by a physical activity therapy which integrates functional resistance training. METHODS: Patients with chronic low back pain for more than 8 weeks but less than 6 months were included in the sample. A total of 19 (35,63±8,44 years old) women were randomized to either exercise group (n = 11) or control group (n = 8). 36 exercise sessions were developed in 3 months of intervention. Pain intensity (visual analogue scale 0-10), level of physical activity and energy expenditure (International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)) were recorded before and immediately after the treatment period. RESULTS: The control group showed no significant changes after the exercise intervention. In the experimental group the pain intensity had been reduced significantly (p<0,001), increased (p<0,05) 1,36 d·wk-1 the frequency, 149,1 min·wk-1 the duration and 2218,18 METs·min·wk-1 energy expenditure from vigorous physical activities (8 METs). In moderate activities (4 METs) increased (p<0,05) the duration in 59,09 min·wk-1 and weekly reduced the time that remained seated 166,36 min (p<0,05). The total weekly energy expenditure increased 2218,85 METs·min·wk-1 (p<0,05). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity therapy, including functional resistance training, has produced significant increases in the frequency, duration and energy expenditure from daily life activities and has reduced the daily time that these patients remained seated.