OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of active non-weight-bearing (NWB) group exercising on women with non specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). METHODS: Forty females with NSCLBP were assigned in a randomized control longitudinal single blinded pilot study. 20 of them were assigned to a NWB bi-weekly group exercise class and 20 females were included in the control group. The exercises involved the entire lumbo-pelvic spine aimed at improving lumbar mobility/flexibility and stability. Pain intensity (VAS), back specific disability (Roland Morris questionnaire-RMQ), and lumbar flexion and extension ranges of motion measurements were taken prior to intervention (t0), immediately following 4 weeks of intervention (t1) and 8 weeks later (t-fu). Reliability trials were conducted on 10 females. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical significance (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The following significant changes in outcome measures were indicated at t1 compared with t0 and control group (p < 0.001): an increase in lumbar flexion and extension (mean difference 9.26 (+54%) for flexion and 5.95 for extension (+98%)); reduction in VAS score (mean difference 2.32 (+58%)) and RMQ score (mean difference 4.9 (-34%)). All changes remained significant at t-fu. At t0, lumbar flexion was correlated with extension (r = 0.547) and VAS (r = -0.581), whereas the RMQ score correlated with VAS score (r = 0.599) and negatively with lumbar extension (r = -0.665). At t1, lumbar flexion correlated with extension (r = 0.664) and negatively with RMQ score (r = -0.54). At t-fu, changes in VAS score were negatively correlated with changes in lumbar flexion (r = -0.522), while changes in lumbar flexion correlated with extension (r = 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: A functional program of NWB group exercising improves functional, painful status, lumbar flexion and extension ranges of motion in women suffering from NSCLBP.

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