Group-based exercise reduces pain and disability and improves other outcomes in older people with chronic non-specific low back pain: the ESCAPE randomised trial.

研究概要

One hundred and twenty participants aged ≥60 years with chronic non-specific low back pain were randomised to receive group-based exercise (n=60) or waitlist control (n=60). The primary outcomes were pain intensity and disability. Secondary outcomes included global perceived effect, frequency of falls, fear of falling, and physical activity. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, 5 months, and 12 months. Overall, the study found that group-based exercise significantly reduced pain intensity and disability compared to the control group. Global perceived effect and physical activity also improved with group-based exercise, while the effect on fear of falling was negligible. These findings suggest that group-based exercise is an effective and safe approach to manage chronic non-specific low back pain in older adults in primary healthcare settings.