Effects of Aerobic Exercises in Patients With Low Back Pain

Aerobic Exercise for Patients With Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain: a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to test the feasibility of a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of aerobic exercises program in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

A total of 30 patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (with a duration of at least 12 weeks) who are seeking for treatment will be recruited. These patients will be randomly allocated into two groups.

Patients allocated to the placebo group will be treated twice a week for a total of 12 weeks with detuned ultrasound and shortwave therapy

Patients allocated to the exercise group will be trained with aerobic exercises on a treadmill twice a week for a total of 12 weeks.

Primary outcomes will be pain and disability. Feasibility outcomes will be adherence, satisfaction and recruitment. Kinesiophobia, perceived global effect and physical capacity will also be analyzed as secondary outcomes. The outcome assessor of this trial will be blinded to the group allocation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with chronic non-specific low back pain with a pain intensity of at least 3 points at the baseline assessment measured by the Numerical Pain Scale, between 18 and 80 years of age and able to read Portuguese.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have some contraindication to exercise, fractures, tumors, inflammatory and infectious diseases, severe cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and the development of chronic inflammatory diseases (eg, dyspnoea, limiting diseases of the lower limbs, previous spinal surgery and pregnancy.