Journal of spinal disorders
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We compared the results of two multimodal back treatment programs (program A: n = 134; program B: n = 175) using pain, functional capacity, sickness absence, subjective state of health, depression, and work status as outcome variables. Whereas in program A exercise was guided by pain, in program B a "no pain, no gain" rationale was used as a basis for intensive physical training. Neither of the programs included direct attempts to influence the patient's environment (i.e., to find employment or to modify working conditions). ⋯ In contrast to some earlier results, there was no statistically significant increase in the proportion of those employed after treatment in either group. The results indicate that intensive physical exercise does not, as such, solve the problem of back disability in a country that has a highly developed social security system. More active interventions in work and work-life are needed.
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Thirty-six 45-55-year-old men with healthy low backs were studied with respect to body composition, isokinetic and isometric trunk strength, trunk muscle endurance, and cross-sectional area and radiological density of mm erector spinae. Results were compared to those of men in the same age group with intermittent low back pain (LBP) (n = 91) and with chronic LBP (n = 21). The back healthy group was significantly stronger and had longer trunk muscle endurance times than men with chronic LBP. ⋯ There were no significant differences between any of the groups with respect to body composition and cross-sectional area of mm erector spinae. Radiological density for mm erector spinae was significantly decreased in the chronic LBP group compared to the back healthy and intermittent LBP groups. The deconditioning syndrome and its relationship to intermittent and chronic LBP is discussed.