Feasibility of participants with chronic non-specific low back pain performing the hip belt squat exercise

Abstract

The aim of sub-study one was to assess the feasibility of hip belt squat training for individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), and potential benefits. Additionally, the aim of sub-study two was to explore whether progressive strength training enhances the exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) response in healthy individuals over time. The participants suffering from chronic NSLBP (n=13) underwent a six-week intervention and the healthy participants (n=16) underwent a four-week intervention of performing the hip belt squat twice a week. Measurements included pressure pain threshold, subjective feeling of pain on a visual analog scale, muscular strength test, fat mass, fat-free mass, lumbar flexibility, and three questionnaires addressing pain, disability, and quality of life. Ethical approval was obtained (Reference number: N-20230063). Sub-study one revealed high feasibility of the exercise among chronic NSLBP participants. A significant improvement was found in most interventions in the acute EIH response (p=0.003-0.048). A significant increase in chronic EIH response was found when comparing measurements taken before and after the pre- and posttest (0.003 and 0.023). The chronic visual analog scale (VAS) scores showed significant decrease when comparing standing VAS scores at pre- and posttest (p=0.009 and 0.042), and both VAS scores during movement were significantly decreased (p=0.007 & 0.014). Muscular strength was significantly increased post intervention (p≤0.001). Lastly, the lumbar flexibility was also significantly increased (p=0.001). Sub-study two found a significant increase in acute EIH response in all but one session (0.002-0.030). A significant increase in the chronic EIH response was found when comparing measurements taken before and after the pre- and posttest (0.014). A significant increase in muscular strength was found (p≤0.001) post intervention. It appears that patients with chronic NSLBP have a positive response in terms of decreased pain. This improvement can be attributed to the chronic EIH response observed in both sub-studies, suggesting that EIH can be developed through training. Therefore, sub-study one concludes that the hip belt squat exercise is feasible and potentially beneficial for individuals suffering from chronic NSLBP. Sub-study two concludes that there is a significant increase after all but one session in the acute EIH response, and there is a significant increase in chronic EIH response for measurements after the pre- and posttest. However, a randomized controlled trial is recommended to confirm these findings.

Colophon: This page is part of the AAU Student Projects portal, which is run by Aalborg University. Here, you can find and download publicly available bachelor's theses and master's projects from across the university dating from 2008 onwards. Student projects from before 2008 are available in printed form at Aalborg University Library.

If you have any questions about AAU Student Projects or the research registration, dissemination and analysis at Aalborg University, please feel free to contact the VBN team. You can also find more information in the AAU Student Projects FAQs.

A master thesis from Aalborg University

Feasibility of participants with chronic non-specific low back pain performing the hip belt squat exercise