Associations between trunk mobility, pain, and quality of life in individuals with chronic low back pain treated with different therapeutic protocols: Potential clinical parameters

BackgroundPhysiotherapy guidelines for managing low back pain (LBP) recommend the use of validated measures such as trunk mobility, pain intensity, and questionnaires to evaluate function. However, the relationship between these clinical parameters remains insufficiently understood.ObjectiveTo investigate associations between trunk mobility, mobility-dependent pain, and quality of life (QOL) as potential clinical parameters in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).MethodsA secondary analysis was conducted on data from 51 individuals with NSCLBP enrolled in a randomized trial comparing the 4xT method and physiotherapeutic-guided exercise. Both groups completed a six-week rehabilitation program with two sessions per week, followed by a six-week therapy-free period. Trunk range of motion, mobility-dependent pain, and perceived health were analyzed as predictors of QOL using correlation and linear regression.ResultsIncreased trunk mobility and elevated perceived health are positively associated with QOL in individuals with NSCLBP. Higher levels of mobility-dependent pain are negatively associated with QOL. The interaction between trunk mobility and changes in mobility-dependent pain intensity did not have an additional impact on QOL. Overall, our findings indicate that these associations were moderate or occasionally weak.ConclusionsTrunk mobility, mobility-dependent pain, and perceived health are relevant clinical predictors of QOL in individuals with NSCLBP. These findings highlight the importance of assessing both <u>objective</u> physical function and <u>subjective</u> pain perception when evaluating rehabilitation outcomes. Targeting trunk mobility and mobility-dependent pain in LBP treatment may lead to more personalized care and improved QOL. Including these measures should be standard practice when assessing rehabilitation effectiveness.<b>Clinical Trial Registration Number:</b> NCT03309540.