Pain perception and low back pain functional disability after a 10-week core and mobility training program: A pilot study

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lima, Vicente Pinheiro^{a; b} | de Alkmim Moreira Nunes, Rodolfo^{b; c} | da Silva, Jurandir Baptista^{a; b} | Paz, Gabriel Andrade^{a; d} | Jesus, Marco^a | de Castro, Juliana Brandão Pinto^{b; *} | Dantas, Estélio Henrique Martin^{c; e} | de Souza Vale, Rodrigo Gomes^{b; c; f}

Affiliations: [a] Biodynamic Laboratory of Exercise, Health, and Performance, Castelo Branco University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | [b] Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Post-Graduation Program in Exercise and Sport Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | [c] Laboratory of Human Kinetics Science, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | [d] School of Physical Education and Sports, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | [e] Tiradentes University, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil | [f] Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, Estácio de Sá University, Cabo Frio, Brazil

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Juliana Brandão Pinto de Castro, Institute of Physical Education and Sports (IEFD), Post-Graduation Program in Exercise and Sport Sciences (PPGCEE), Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Brazil. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 10-week core and mobility training program on pain perception and low back disability score in professors, students and employees of a university. METHODS: Twenty-four individuals of a university who previously reported pain and low back disability were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n= 8) that received 2 weekly sessions of 50 minutes of core and mobility training for 10 weeks; or to a control group (CG; n= 16). Both groups received a guideline to adopt ergonomic postures during work and activities of daily living. The visual analog pain scale (VAS) and the Roland-Morris questionnaire (RMQ) were applied pre- and post intervention. RESULTS: Significant reductions in the pain intensity perception (p= 0.014) and low back functional disability (p= 0.011) were noted in the EG pre- and post measures. However, no significant difference was observed in the CG. Thus, there was a significant difference between the EG and the CG in the post-intervention measures (p= 0.001). CONCLUSION: Core and mobility training and home-ergonomic instructions were effective to reduce the pain intensity perception and low back functional disability in the EG.

Keywords: Low back pain, spine, mobility limitation, core training

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-169739

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 637-643, 2018