Efficacy of Group Exercise Program in Older People With Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Efficacy of Group Exercise Program on Pain and Disability in Older People With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Feasibility of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The main objective of the study is to assess the feasibility of a randomized clinical trial that investigates the effects of an 8-week group exercise program on pain, disability, fear of falling, overall impression of recovery, frequency of falls and level of physical activity in elderly people with nonspecific low back pain.

The main objective of the study is to assess the feasibility of a randomized clinical trial that investigates the effects of an 8-week group exercise program on pain, disability, fear of falling, overall impression of recovery, frequency of falls and level of physical activity in elderly people with nonspecific low back pain. The evaluation of feasibility will be related to: (1) blinding the evaluator to allocate the groups; (2) eligibility and recruitment rates; (3) acceptability of random allocation to a group; (4) possible contamination between groups; (5) adherence to treatment; (6) satisfaction with the treatment; and (7) difficulty in understanding the information provided by the physiotherapist.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Older people aged 60 years old or over who have nonspecific LBP, defined as pain below the costal margin and above the lower gluteal folds, with or without referred leg pain for at least 3 months.
• Disability with score 4/24 in Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire or higher and persistent back pain of pain 3/10 or higher.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Suspected or confirmed serious spinal pathology (fracture, metastatic, inflammatory or infective diseases of the spine, cauda equina syndrome/widespread neurological disorder);
• Radiculopathy (i.e. presence of 2 of the 3 following criteria: strength, reflex or sensation alterations compatible with lumbosacral nerve root compression);
• Previous history of spinal surgery; scheduled for major surgery during the study or at the follow up period;
• Any of the contraindications to exercise listed on page 103 of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines.