Abstract

Aim. Back pain (BP) is a common disabling health problem that affects negatively activity of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life (QoL). Physical activity (PA) showed exerts beneficial effects on BP symptoms and health status. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adapted physical activity (APA) on back disability and pain in Brazilian elderly.

Material and Methods. Forty-eighth elderly people with chronic non-specific BP participated in APA program twice a week for 12-weeks each session for 50 minutes. The function, disability and pain were assessed by Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Additionally, bilateral hip extension range of motion (ROM) and lengthening capacity of bilateral hamstring muscles, and hip flexors were evaluated.

Results. The ODI and VAS scores showed significant improvement post APA interventions. Moreover, hip extension ROM, bilateral hip flexor and extensors muscles flexibility significantly improved as well.

Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that the 12-weeks APA interventional program was associated with significant improvements in back disability and pain in elderly with chronic non-specific BP. APA interventions should be employed to provide improvement in pain and functional status in the treatment of BP. Further studies are needed to determine whether long-term of APA may improve QoL and ADLs for elderly with BP.

Key words:

low back pain, adaptive physical activity, back function, physiotherapy, rehabilitation