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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Research article

The effect of high-intensity resistance exercise on lumbar musculature in patients with low back pain: a preliminary study

Authors: David B. Berry, Jennifer Padwal, Seth Johnson, Erin K. Englund, Samuel R. Ward, Bahar Shahidi

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration of the lumbar extensors is associated with LBP. Exercise-based rehabilitation targets strengthening these muscles, but few studies show consistent changes in muscle quality with standard-of-care rehabilitation. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of high-intensity resistance exercise on lumbar extensor muscle size (cross sectional area) and quality (fat fraction) in individuals with low back pain (LBP).

Methods

Fourteen patients with LBP were recruited from a local rehabilitation clinic. Patients underwent MRI scanning before and after a standardized 10-week high-intensity machine-based, resistance exercise program. Patient pain, disability, anxiety/depression, satisfaction, strength, and range of motion was compared pre- and post-rehabilitation using analysis of covariance (covariates: age, gender). Exercise-induced changes in MRI, and patient functional outcome measures were correlated using Pearson’s correlation test.

Results

No significant differences were found in muscle size or fatty infiltration of the lumbar extensors over the course of rehabilitation (p > 0.31). However, patients reported reduced pain (p = 0.002) and were stronger (p = 0.03) at the conclusion of the program. Improvements in muscle size and quality for both multifidus and erector spinae correlated with improvements in disability, anxiety/depression, and strength.

Conclusion

While average muscle size and fatty infiltration levels did not change with high-intensity exercise, the results suggest that a subgroup of patients who demonstrate improvements in muscle health demonstrate the largest functional improvements. Future research is needed to identify which patients are most likely to respond to this type of treatment.

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Title: The effect of high-intensity resistance exercise on lumbar musculature in patients with low back pain: a preliminary study
Authors: David B. Berry
Jennifer Padwal
Seth Johnson
Erin K. Englund
Samuel R. Ward
Bahar Shahidi
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Back Pain
Back Pain
Back Pain
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-2658-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The effect of high-intensity resistance exercise on lumbar musculature in patients with low back pain: a preliminary study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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