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01-06-2011 | Review Article

Physical activity and low back pain: a systematic review of recent literature

Authors: Hans Heneweer, Filip Staes, Geert Aufdemkampe, Machiel van Rijn, Luc Vanhees

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 6/2011

Abstract

The objective of the study is to systematically evaluate the available evidence on the association between physical activity (i.e. occupational load and non-occupational physical activities) and low back pain (LBP). A systematic approach was used to explore the literature between 1999 and 2009. Studies were selected for inclusion following a comprehensive search of Medline, Embase and CINAHL. The methodological quality of each study was assessed. Studies were considered to be of ‘high quality’ if they met the cut-off criterion of 60% of the maximum available quality score. Thirty-six cohort or case–control studies were retrieved. Heavy workload and the accumulation of loads or frequency of lifts were moderate to strong risk factors for LBP. Strong associations were found for flexed, rotated and the awkward positions of the lumbar spine. Inconsistent results were found for leisure time physical activities, sports and physical exercise. Studies focusing on daily habitual physical activities (e.g. domestic activities and commuting) in association with LBP are lacking. In conclusion, the occurrence of LBP is related to the nature and intensity of the physical activities undertaken. However, physical activities can be subdivided into separate types and intensities and the ultimate physical load is the sum of all these activities. This makes it difficult to designate one particular activity as the cause of LBP.

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Title: Physical activity and low back pain: a systematic review of recent literature
Authors: Hans Heneweer
Filip Staes
Geert Aufdemkampe
Machiel van Rijn
Luc Vanhees
Publication date: 01-06-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 6/2011
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-010-1680-7

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Physical activity and low back pain: a systematic review of recent literature

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