Effects of whole-body strength training on pain and strength in chronic low back pain. A Randomized controlled trial.
Fabian Tomschi, Kaspar Meder, Thomas Hilberg
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined whether adding whole-body strength training (WBST) to group exercise affected pain, lumbar pressure pain thresholds (PPT), and trunk strength in patients with chronic low back pain. Of 45 assigned patients, 32 completed the intervention and were analyzed. After 12 weeks, the WBST group had improved PPT, while the active control group showed no change. Pain intensity decreased in the WBST group, but the analysis found no time-by-group interaction for pain. Trunk flexion and extension strength increased only in the WBST group, although between-group interaction effects were not observed.
Key findings
- PPT increased in the WBST group from 38.2 ± 21.1 to 48.1 ± 29.1 N/cm²; the control group showed no change (time-by-group p = 0.048).
- In the WBST group, NRS pain fell from 5.0 ± 1.7 at baseline to 3.8 ± 1.7 post-intervention and 3.8 ± 1.5 at follow-up; no time-by-group interaction was found (p = 0.737).
- Trunk extension strength rose from 60.0 ± 23.7 to 74.4 ± 28.9 kg, and flexion strength from 40.3 ± 16.9 to 48.5 ± 19.2 kg in the WBST group; interaction effects were absent.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that adding whole-body resistance training to group exercise may improve lumbar pressure pain sensitivity and trunk strength in people with chronic low back pain. The pain results are less conclusive for an added benefit over group exercise, because pain decreased over time without a significant time-by-group interaction. This distinction helps frame WBST as a potentially useful rehabilitation option rather than a proven superior approach.
What to keep in mind
Only 32 of 45 assigned patients completed the intervention and were analyzed. The trial reported no time-by-group interaction for pain or trunk strength, and follow-up pain was assessed only by NRS.