Effect of Exercise on Sick Leave Due to Low Back Pain

The purpose of this study was to compare two different exercise programs for low back pain and assess the role of supervised versus unsupervised exercise. The first exercise program entailed a conventional physiotherapy regimen. The second involved using the TerapiMaster, a new Norwegian-developed exercise device designed for home physiotherapy treatment and general exercises. Patients were asked to exercise 15 to 30 minutes three times a week. After a study period of 12 months, both groups were compared in terms of absentee rate. Both exercise programs reduced work absenteeism by 75-80%. The study found no differences between the two different exercise programs. Of the 153 original patients, 126 were followed for an additional year while performing unsupervised home exercise programs. The authors evaluated patient compliance to the exercise regimen and absentee rates in this group of patients, as well. The study reports that 60% of these subjects continued their exercise regimen, and that absentee rates had continued to decrease.

The benefits of exercise on health in general, and on back pain in particular, are well documented. “Exercise compliance is a problem to which more attention should be devoted. A previous investigation stressed that most people do not manage to continue a training program on their own. It is important to ensure that they are given support and encouragement when exercising, either on an individual basis, as in our study, or by participating in group activities.”

Also, in this study, the patients were not given a standardized exercise regimen, but each patient was given an exercise program that fit their level of health and ability.

Ljunggren AE, Weber H, Kogstad O, Thom E, Kirkesola G. Effect of exercise on sick leave due to low back pain. Spine 1997;22(14):1610-1617.

 

 

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