The Effects of a Daily Short Duration Mobility and Exercise Program on Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study

Purpose: Low back pain has been a well-researched topic and it is estimated to affect nearly 82% of Americans at some point in their life. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the effects of a daily short duration mobility program produce significantly different results in pain and disability when compared to the same amount of brisk daily walking. Methods: A randomized control trial of 15 participants with a primary complaint of chronic low back pain for at least three months were assigned to a walking group (N=5) or a dynamic stretching group (N=10). All participants received 5 outcome measures: Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Fear Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FABQ), Pain Catastrophizing Scale, SF-36 and oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Subjects placed into the walking group were asked to walk at a brisk, self-selected pace for 12 minutes at least 5 days a week. Brisk was defined as at least a 4 on a 0-10 RPE scale. Participants in the mobility group were instructed in a 12 minute stretching program, which they were also asked to perform at least 5 days a week. Mobility group participants were provided a you tube link with the stretching program. Both groups were given accountability logs and were contacted once a week to assure adherence. Subjects performed the walking or mobility programs for 3 weeks after which they were re-evaluated using the same criteria as used in the initial evaluation. Alpha level ≤ 0.05 was selected for significance for all comparisons. Results: The stretching group showed significantly improved scores related to fear avoidance behavior questionnaire (p=0.019) and the pain catastrophizing scale (p=0.026) when compared to the walking group. Additionally, significant differences were noted in the stretching group for Visual Analog Scale (p=0.011), oswestry disability index (p=0.017), SF-36 Energy/Fatigue (p=0.047), SF-36 Pain (p=0.027) and SF-36 General Health (p=0.041). Conclusion: In conclusion, a daily short duration mobility and exercise program was more effective than walking in decreasing fear avoidance behavior and pain catastrophizing in subjects with chronic low back pain. Clinical Relevance: This study is clinically relevant given that it demonstrates prescription of a mobility program may be more beneficial than a walking program for patients with chronic low back pain. Additionally, this study supports the use of a telehealth application in the treatment of chronic low back pain.