Effects of a Therapeutic Exercise Protocol for Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Back Pain in Primary Health Care: A Single-Group Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Back pain is highly prevalent; in Spain, it produces a very high economic cost and the scientific evidence supporting treatments shows low to moderate evidence for exercise. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a therapeutic group exercise protocol in reduc...

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Main Authors: Juan Nicolás Cuenca-Zaldívar, Josué Fernández-Carnero, Eleuterio A. Sánchez-Romero, Verónica Álvarez-Gonzalo, Rocío Conde-Rodríguez, David Rodríguez-Sanz, César Calvo-Lobo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-10-01
Series:Journal of Clinical Medicine
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/20/6478
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Summary:Background: Back pain is highly prevalent; in Spain, it produces a very high economic cost and the scientific evidence supporting treatments shows low to moderate evidence for exercise. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a therapeutic group exercise protocol in reducing pain intensity and disability in patients with back pain in primary health care setting. Methods: A total sample of 149 patients who suffered from chronic non-specific back pain was selected. Patients received a therapeutic exercise protocol, including auto-mobilization exercises for the neck and lumbar regions, as well as core stabilization exercises. Pain intensity and disability were evaluated before and after the therapeutic exercise protocol. Results: Statistically significant differences (<i>p</i> < 0.05) were shown in pain intensity and disability for patients with non-specific neck and low-back pain, with an effect size from moderate to large. Conclusions: A therapeutic exercise protocol may provide beneficial effects upon disability and pain intensity in patients with chronic non-specific back pain, including neck and low-back pain conditions In addition, It could be considered for inclusion as a back-pain-approach program in primary healthcare.
ISSN:2077-0383