An Analysis of the Safety and Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions for Patients with Low Back Pain

Abstract

LBP is among the most prevalent causes of disability in all parts of the world as it has a great socio-economic impact and quality of life. Physical activity (PA) interventions have been increasingly considered as one of the non-pharmacological options to the management of LBP, with an aim to improve mobility, decrease the intensity and frequency of pain. The proposed study will conduct a systematic review of the safety and efficacy and clinical usefulness of the different physical activity programs involving aerobic training, stretching, core stabilization activities, yoga and motor control therapy in chronic and acute LBP patients. The meta-analysis and systematic review of 56 peer-reviewed clinical trials (20122024) with outcome parameters including pain intensity (VAS, NRS), functional disability (ODI, RMDQ), recurrence rate, patient adherence and adverse event incidences, was adopted as a methodology. Subgroup analyses compare age, gender, chronicity of pain and type of intervention. The findings have shown that core stability training and motor control exercises had the greatest effects in reducing pain (up to 45%) and disability scores (up to38) compared to usual care or placebo. Moderate benefits are seen when aerobic activity is used together with behavioural therapy. Stretching and yoga are not very frequently monitored but the adverse events are not high and the effectiveness varies according to the frequency and supervision. The risk of adverse events is low (