The aim of this review was to determine the relevance of exercise therapy in the total treatment strategy of low back pain (LBP). The review is based on the results of randomised clinical trials, meta-analysis, consensus reports, and medical technology assessments. There is strong evidence for the effectiveness of exercise therapy for subacute and chronic LBP. There is some evidence that exercise is not effective for acute LBP. The most effective exercise programme and the optimal combination of exercise and other effective treatment modalities for different subgroups of LBP patients remain to be determined. Insights regarding the biological mechanisms of the positive effect of exercise are not yet established.

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

• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher