A pilot study of the effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise versus passive interventions on pain, disability, psychological strain, and serum cortisol concentrations in people with chronic low back pain.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND

AND PURPOSE:
Given the complex nature of chronic pain, the effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise on pain, disability, psychological strain, and serum cortisol concentrations in people with chronic low back pain were investigated.

SUBJECTS:
Twenty subjects receiving primary health care were randomly allocated into exercise and control groups.

METHODS:
Subjects in the exercise group received a 12-week, high-intensity aerobic exercise program. Subjects in the control group received 12 weeks of passive modalities without any form of physical activity.

RESULTS:
Data analysis identified reductions in pain (41%, t(10)=8.51, P<.001), disability (31%, t(10)=7.32, P<.001), and psychological strain (35%, t(10)=7.09, P<.001) in subjects in the exercise group and no changes in subjects in the control group. High-intensity exercise failed to influence serum cortisol concentrations.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:
Regular high-intensity aerobic exercise alleviated pain, disability, and psychological strain in subjects with chronic low back pain but did not improve serum cortisol concentrations.

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Author information

Author/s: Chatzitheodorou, Dimitris (D); Kabitsis, Chris (C); Malliou, Paraskevi (P); Mougios, Vassilis (V);

Affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, PO Box 141, 57400 Sindos, Greece. dim_chatzi(-atsign-)yahoo.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal: Physical therapy (Phys Ther), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Mar; vol 87 (issue 3) : pp 304-12

Dates: Created 2007/03/02; Completed 2007/04/03;

PMID: 17284546, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Hydrocortisone - blood
Low Back Pain - blood; physiopathology; psychology; rehabilitation
Male
Pain - blood; physiopathology; prevention & control; psychology
Pain Measurement
Pilot Projects
Questionnaires
Stress, Psychological - blood; physiopathology; psychology
Treatment Outcome

Associated Chemicals: Hydrocortisone (50-23-7)

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