Use of Aerobic Exercise as an Adjunct to Conventional Therapy in the Management of an Older Adult with Chronic Low Back Pain in Nigeria: A Case Report

Abstract

Treatment preferences utilized by most physical therapists on adults with LBP in Nigeria often do not adhere to global clinical practice guidelines, which include aerobic exercise. This case report describes the utilization of aerobic exercise within a conventional multimodal treatment approach in the management of chronic LBP for an older adult living in Nigeria. Baseline measures of NPRS, ODI, RPE, and lumbar range of movement were taken at the initial visit. Subsequently, the intervention combined a walking aerobic exercise both overground and, on the treadmill, with other therapies (e.g., directional preference exercises, strengthening exercises) for 16 sessions over four weeks. Following 16 sessions, clinically meaningful improvements in pain, disability, lumbar range of motion, and rate of perceived exertion were observed. The patient complied, reported no side effects, and had positive feedback regarding the intervention. The utilization of aerobic exercises within a conventional multimodal treatment approach is safe and could be useful for the management of chronic LBP in older adults. Keywords: Aerobic exercise, Conventional management, Clinical practice guidelines, Low back pain, Physical therapy, Walking exercise.