Low back pain (LBP) is often an indication of pathological condition of the intervertebral discs, vertebral bodies or supporting soft tissues of the lower vertebral region. Chronic low back pain (CLBP) presents with enormous consequence on the general performance of the sufferer; exerting a huge cost on the individual, the family and the society. Dance therapy is a relatively new approach in the management of low back pain. This study was therefore designed to investigate the effect of dance therapy on pain, functional disability and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain. Thirty subjects diagnosed with non-specific CLBP participated in the study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups, A and B, each comprising 15 subjects. In addition to conventional physiotherapy programme given to both groups, subjects in group A also received aerobic dance, which comprised a four stage protocol. The entire treatment routine was administered in a group session three times weekly consecutively for six weeks. Data as obtained in the copies of completed questionnaires (Roland Morris Disability questionnaires and Nottingham Health Profile questionnaires) and other measurements were summarized using mean, standard deviation and frequency tables. Student t-test was used to analyze the data at 95% confidence interval. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the pre- and post-intervention scores for pain intensity, functional disability and quality of life within the groups. There was also a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the mean change (pre/post intervention) scores between group A and group B for pain intensity, functional disability and quality of life. Also the opinions and testimonies given by participants formed part of the evidence-based data. Whereas both conventional physiotherapy and aerobic dance showed significant effects in the pre/post-intervention scores, the aerobic dance group reported more significant effect in all studied parameters of pain intensity, functional disability and quality of life.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• PDF locator
• publisher