Low Back Pain, Chronic
Conditions
Keywords
Exercise, Low Back Pain
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the longitudinal effects of a four-week dynamic resistance training program using the 45-degree Roman chair on pain sensitivity changes after exercise and lumbar muscle performance in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP). This study will consist of three specific aims. Aim 1 examines changes in local exercise-induced hypoalgesia. Aim 2 will assess changes in lumbar multifidus and erector spinae thickness using ultrasound imaging before and after the intervention. Aim 3 will evaluate changes in lumbar extensor strength (handheld dynamometry (HHD)) and endurance (Biering-Sørensen test).
Interventions
OTHER45-Degree Roman Chair Exercise
Participants in the intervention group will perform 3 sets of low back extension exercise on the Roman chair until volitional exhaustion. The three sets will be performed to volitional exhaustion or 20 repetitions, whichever comes first. If more than 20 repetitions can be completed after a set the investigator will add resistance according to the NSCA's guidelines (2.5-10% increase).
Sponsors
University of Central Florida
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* chronic low back pain lasting ≥ 12 weeks * current pain intensity ≥ 3/10 but no higher than an 8/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) within the past 48 hours * resistance trained (defined as 2x/week for the past 8-12 weeks) * able to read and speak English for informed consent and completion of questionnaires * willing and physically able to complete all testing and intervention sessions.
Exclusion criteria
* History of spinal surgery, fusion, or fracture within the past 6 months * diagnosed degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, or spinal pathology that precludes safe exercise participation * use of an assistive device for walking (cane, walker) within the past year * pregnancy, due to contraindications for exercise testing and ultrasound -body weight ≥ 300 lbs., which exceeds the safe capacity of the Roman chair -- * current tobacco/nicotine use * current enrollment in physical therapy or structured rehabilitation for LBP, * cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, or systemic disease that increases risk during exercise * nociplastic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia) or neurological conditions that confound EIH responses * inability to complete ≥ 8 Roman chair repetitions with proper form during screening * non-English speaking
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Induced Hypoalgesia | Weeks 1 and 4 | Participants will perform one set of back extension exercise on a 45-degree Roman chair until volitional exhaustion. Pressure Pain Threshold applied over the low back will be examined before and after exercise. |
| Muscle Thickness | Weeks 1 and 4 | Ultrasound imaging to assess muscle thickness of the erector spinae and the multifidus muscles will be completed. |
| Muscle Strength | Weeks 1 and 4 | Back extensor strength will be assessed using maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the back extensor muscles using a handheld dynamometer. |
| Muscle Endurance | Weeks 1 and 4 | The Biering-Sorensen test will be performed in which participants lie prone on a treatment table with the lower body secured to the table. Participants will be instructed to cross their arms over their chest and maintain their torso in a horizontal position with the upper body unsupported, parallel to the floor. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed