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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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Feasibility of participants with chronic non-specific low back pain performing the hip belt squat exercise

Authors

; ;

Term

4. semester

Publication year

2024

Submitted on

Pages

29

Abstract

Denne afhandling består af to delstudier om hip belt squat-træning og smertefølsomhed. Delstudie 1 undersøgte, om øvelsen er gennemførlig og potentielt gavnlig for personer med kroniske uspecifikke lændesmerter (NSLBP). Delstudie 2 undersøgte, om progressiv styrketræning over tid kan forstærke træningsudløst hypoalgesi (EIH), dvs. den midlertidige dæmpning af smertefølsomhed efter træning. I delstudie 1 trænede 13 personer med NSLBP hip belt squat to gange ugentligt i seks uger. I delstudie 2 trænede 16 raske deltagere samme øvelse to gange ugentligt i fire uger. Vi målte tryksmertetærskel (hvor meget tryk der skal til, før det gør ondt), subjektiv smerte på en visuel analog skala (VAS), muskelstyrke, fedtmasse, fedtfri masse, lændefleksibilitet samt besvarelser på tre spørgeskemaer om smerte, funktionsniveau og livskvalitet. Studiet havde etisk godkendelse (N-20230063). Delstudie 1 viste, at hip belt squat er let at gennemføre for personer med NSLBP. Deltagerne havde en signifikant akut EIH-reaktion i de fleste træningspas og en signifikant længerevarende (kronisk) EIH-ændring over forløbet. VAS-smerte faldt både i stående og under bevægelse, og muskelstyrke samt lændefleksibilitet steg. I delstudie 2 sås en signifikant akut EIH-reaktion i alle undtagen ét træningspas, en signifikant kronisk EIH-ændring over tid og en stigning i muskelstyrke. Samlet tyder resultaterne på, at hip belt squat-træning er gennemførlig og kan være gavnlig for personer med kroniske uspecifikke lændesmerter, muligvis ved at styrke kroppens egen smertehæmning efter træning. Der anbefales dog et randomiseret kontrolleret forsøg for at bekræfte resultaterne.

This thesis includes two sub-studies on hip belt squat training and pain sensitivity. Sub-study 1 assessed whether the exercise is feasible and potentially beneficial for people with chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Sub-study 2 examined whether progressive strength training over time can enhance exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH), the temporary reduction in pain sensitivity after exercise. In sub-study 1, 13 people with NSLBP performed hip belt squats twice weekly for six weeks. In sub-study 2, 16 healthy participants did the same exercise twice weekly for four weeks. Measurements included pressure pain threshold (how much pressure it takes before it hurts), pain ratings on a visual analog scale (VAS), muscle strength, fat mass, fat-free mass, lumbar flexibility, and three questionnaires on pain, disability, and quality of life. Ethical approval was obtained (N-20230063). Sub-study 1 found the exercise was feasible for people with NSLBP. Participants showed a significant acute EIH response in most sessions and a significant longer-term (chronic) EIH change across the program. Pain ratings decreased in standing and during movement, and muscle strength and lumbar flexibility increased. Sub-study 2 showed a significant acute EIH response in all but one session, a significant chronic EIH change over time, and increased muscle strength. Overall, hip belt squat training appears feasible and may benefit people with chronic non-specific low back pain, possibly by strengthening the body’s exercise-related pain inhibition. However, a randomized controlled trial is recommended to confirm these findings.

[This summary has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]