Changes in pressure pain threshold after aerobic exercise for patients with chronic low back pain

Abstract

[Purpose] To examine changes in pressure pain threshold (PPT) in patients with chronic low back pain after long-term low-intensity aerobic exercise. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 8 patients with low back pain persisting for 12 months or longer. Their PPT values were measured in 7 body parts, including the low back and upper/lower limbs, and low back pain assessment using a visual analogue scale (VAS) was conducted at 3 times: before, after, and 8 weeks after intervention. During the intervention period, the participants performed bicycle ergometer exercise twice a week for 8 weeks, a total of 16 times. [Results] On comparing PPT values before and after intervention, significant improvements in all PPT values and low back VAS scores were observed. Measurement at 8 weeks after intervention revealed significant improvements in PPT values from 4 body parts, including the upper and lower limbs. [Conclusion] Regular low-intensity bicycle ergometer exercise effectively reduced low back pain by improving PPT.