Resistance training in addition to multidisciplinary rehabilitation for patients with chronic pain in the low back: Study protocol

INTRODUCTION: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a major health problem worldwide. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation and exercise is recommended for the management of chronic LBP. However, there is a need to investigate effective exercise interventions that is available in clinics and as home-based training on a large scale. This article presents the design and rationale of the first randomized clinical trial investigating the effects of progressive resistance training with elastic bands in addition to multidisciplinary rehabilitation for patients with moderate to severe chronic LBP. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We aim to enroll 100 patients with chronic LBP referred to a specialized outpatient hospital clinic in Norway. Participants will be randomized equally to either; a) 3 tion including whole-body progressive resistance training using elastic bands – followed by home-based progressive resistance training for 9 weeks, or b) 3 weeks of multidisciplinary rehabilitation including general physical exercise – followed by home-based general physical exercise for 9 weeks. Questionnaires and strength tests will be collected at baseline, weeks 3 and 12, and at 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is between-group changes in pain-related disability at week 12 assessed by the Oswestry disability index. Secondary outcomes include pain, work ability, work status, mental health, health-related quality of life, global rating of change, general health, and muscular strength and pain-related disability up to 12 months of follow-up. DISCUSSION: This study will provide valuable information for clinicians working with patients with chronic LBP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02420236.