Periodized Resistance Training for Persistent Non-specific Low Back Pain

Periodized Resistance Training for Persistent Non-specific Low Back Pain: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study

In this study the feasibility is investigated of a 16-week supervised heavy resistance training program with weekly undulating periodization for individuals with persistent non-specific low-back pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• persistent non-specific low back pain with a duration >3 months
• average low back pain intensity last two weeks >= 4 on numerical pain rating scale (0-10 scale)
• no experience with heavy resistance training.

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous surgery of the low back
• radiculopathy
• structural spinal changes and/or specific spinal conditions that limit function (spinal stenosis, ankylosing spondylitis, spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis, protrusion, structural scoliosis)
• autoimmune and systemic inflammatory diseases
• cardiovascular disease
• neurological diseases
• severe osteoporosis.