The effectiveness of a functional training programme for patients with chronic low back pain - a pilot study

Introduction. To investigate the effect of an individualised functional training programme for patients with low back pain (LBP). Methods. A randomised, controlled trial with single-blind design was conducted. Patients with non-specific LBP for at least 3 months were recruited and randomised into training and control groups. Both groups maintained their current treatment, and the training group participated in an additional programme for 100 h. Measures were performed initially and after completing the programme, and included rating determining impairment associated with pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI) and functional capacity evaluation (FCE). Results. Thirteen in the training group completed the training and measurements, and 12 in the control group completed their measurements. Twelve items in FCE had significant improvement in training group, but only one in control group. Severity of pain (11.8 +/- 3.6-5.6 +/- 3.6), activity limitation from pain (3.2 +/- 1.5-1.5 +/- 1.1) and emotional disturbance by pain (4.3 +/- 1.7-2.2 +/- 1.4) significantly decreased in the training group, no significant change in the control group. The ODI demonstrated a significant reduction (p = 0.044) in the training group (22 +/- 9-16 +/- 9), but not in the control group. Conclusion. An individualised functional training programme benefits chronic LBP patients.