Impact of a resistance training program on functional disability, pain, strength, and range of motion in individuals with chronic low back pain: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Low back pain is a condition characterized by pain and discomfort in the lumbar and sacral regions. Non-specific chronic low back pain leads to functional disability, reducing work productivity and imposing in significant socioeconomic burden. This clinical trial implemented an eight-week resistance training program adapted for individuals with chronic low back pain. Training intensity was prescribed based on participants' perceived exertion, ranging from "easy" to "somewhat hard" (OMNI-RES SCALE 4 to 6). The study aimed to evaluate the effects of this program on pain, functional disability, maximal strength, muscular endurance, and spinal mobility. A significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was adopted for all statistical analyses. At the end of the study, the resistance training group exhibited a 71.6% reduction in functional disability (25.0 ± 5.8 to 7.1 ± 5.4; p = 0.001, = 0.82), a 79.6% reduction in pain (5.9 ± 1.6 to 1.2 ± 1.1; p = 0.001, = 0.62), a 36.7% increase in maximal strength (58.2 ± 29.9 to 79.6 ± 31.5; P = 0.001, = 0.90), a 31.1% increase in trunk flexion range of motion (37.6 ± 8.3 to 49.3 ± 9.9; P = 0.02, = 0.23), and a 56.6% increase in muscular endurance time (35.3 ± 26.8 to 55.6 ± 35.8; P = 0.01, = 0.30). These findings suggest that a low-intensity resistance training program tailored for individuals with chronic low back pain effectively reduces pain and functional disability while enhancing maximal strength, muscular endurance, and trunk mobility.