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A pilot study of the effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise versus passive interventions on pain, disability, psychological strain, and serum cortisol concentrations in people with chronic low back pain
Chatzitheodorou D, Kabitsis C, Malliou P, Mougios V
Physical Therapy 2007 Mar;87(3):304-312
clinical trial
4/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Given the complex nature of chronic pain, the effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise on pain, disability, psychological strain, and serum cortisol concentrations in people with chronic low back pain were investigated. SUBJECTS: Twenty subjects receiving primary health care were randomly allocated into exercise and control groups. METHODS: Subjects in the exercise group received a 12-week, high-intensity aerobic exercise program. Subjects in the control group received 12 weeks of passive modalities without any form of physical activity. RESULTS: Data analysis identified reductions in pain (41%, t[10] = 8.51, p < 0.001), disability (31%, t[10] = 7.32, p < 0.001), and psychological strain (35%, t[10] = 7.09, p < 0.001) in subjects in the exercise group and no changes in subjects in the control group. High-intensity exercise failed to influence serum cortisol concentrations. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Regular high-intensity aerobic exercise alleviated pain, disability, and psychological strain in subjects with chronic low back pain but did not improve serum cortisol concentrations.

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