Effects of whole-body strength training on pain and strength in chronic low back pain. A Randomized controlled trial

), and isometric trunk flexion/extension strength (kg) were assessed baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and follow-up (T2, NRS only).Results32 Patients finished the intervention and were analyzed. For PPT, an interaction effect for 'time' × 'group' was observed (p = 0.048) and the IG showed improvements in PPT (T0 = 38.2 ± 21.1; T1 = 48.1 ± 29.1), while the CG showed no change. A main effect 'time' (p < 0.001) and no interaction effect (p = 0.737) was observed for NRS. In the IG, NRS was lower at T1 and T2 compared to T0 (T0 = 5.0 ± 1.7; T1 = 3.8 ± 1.7; T2 = 3.8 ± 1.5), while no difference was found in the CG. For core extension and flexion strength, main effects 'time' (p ≤ 0.001) and no interaction effects (p > 0.071) were observed, while strength increased only in the IG (extension: T0 = 60.0 ± 23.7; T1 = 74.4 ± 28.9; flexion: T0 = 40.3 ± 16.9; T1 = 48.5 ± 19.2). PPT correlated positively with trunk strength (r = 0.320-0.621).ConclusionWBST combined with group exercise improves lumbar pain sensitivity in CLBP patients and might therefore be considered as an efficient training option within rehabilitation programs.