Smeets RJ
Does a graded exercise program emphasising lumbar stabilising exercises reduce pain and disability at 12 months, compared with a walking program, for patients with recurrent low back pain? 71 patients with recurrent mechanical low back pain (>8 weeks duration, with at least 1 pain-free period during the past year) and without leg pain were allocated to one of two groups. The graded exercise program of stabilising exercises for the lumbar spine and the walking program were both 8 weeks' duration. The primary outcomes were perceived pain and disability at 12 months, measured by self-completed questionnaires.
The authors conclude that lumbar stabilising exercises appear to have a similar effect on pain and disability for patients with recurrent low back pain as a daily walking program.
Aust J Physiother. 2009;55(2):138