Fanucchi GL, Stewart A, Jordaan R, Becker P.
The objective of this study was to analyse if an eight-week exercise program reduce the intensity and prevalence of low back pain in 12-13 year old children and whether it decreased the childhood physical risk factors for low back pain and promote a sense of well-being. Seventy-two 12-13 year old children, who had complained of low back pain in the past three months completed either eight exercise classes of 40-45 minutes duration over eight weeks conducted by a physiotherapist or no intervention. Pain intensity over the past month had decreased by 2.2 cm on the VAS more for the experimental group than the control group at Month 3 and was still 2.0 cm less than the control group at Month 6. The absolute risk reduction for 3-month prevalence in low back pain in the experimental group was 24% compared with the control group at Month 3, and 40% at Month 6. There were also statistically-significant between-group differences in neural mobility.
The authors conclude that exercise is effective in reducing the intensity and prevalence of low back pain in children.
Aust J Physiother. 2009;55(2):97-104.