We tested the effects of a functional orthosis on the outcome of a muscle training program in therapy for patients with chronic back pain. 97 males, aged 23 to 42 years old, with and without low back pain participated in the study. The back pain patients (n = 63) were randomised into one of three groups: with an elastic lumbar support, without an elastic lumbar support, or a control group. Those men who were without back pain (n = 34) were assigned in parallel, according to age, either to a training group with an elastic lumbar support or a control group. The three groups completed a muscle training program over a period of 8 weeks. The control groups received no treatment. All groups were tested at the beginning, after 8 weeks, and again 6 months later. In the control groups, the parameters which were investigated showed hardly any change within the time period of the study, but in the training groups, a significant increase was noted in the ability of the leg muscles to stretch. Furthermore, in the training groups, there was an improvement in the harmonious co-ordination of the lower back and pelvis as demonstrated in trunk-bending. Additionally, a reduction was seen in intensity of pain and limitation of function in daily life, whereby the changes in the training groups with a functional orthosis were significantly greater.

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