Effect of a Supervised Exercise Program in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

Effect of a Supervised Exercise Program on Paraspinal Muscle Morphology and Function in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study evaluates the effect of a supervised exercise program on paraspinal muscle morphology and function, as well as disability/function in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Half of the participants will do a targeted paraspinal muscle exercise program, while the other half will do a general exercise program.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. chronic nonspecific LBP (>3 months), defined as pain in the region between the lower ribs and gluteal folds, with or without leg pain
2. currently seeking care for LBP
3. between 18 and 60 years of age
4. English or French speaker
5. score of "moderate" or "severe" disability on the ODI questionnaire
6. do not currently engage in sports or fitness training specifically for the lower back muscles (3 months prior the beginning of the study).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. evidence of nerve root compression or reflex motor signs deficits (e.g. weakness, reflex changes, or sensory loss with same spinal nerve)
2. previous spinal surgery or vertebral fractures
3. other major lumbar spine structural abnormalities (e.g. spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, or lumbar scoliosis >10°)