Advances in physiotherapy for chronic low-back pain: a level I systematic review

Abstract Background Non-pharmacologic management of chronic low back pain (cLBP) should be considered the first-line treatment. However, consensus guidelines and internationally accepted recommendations on the therapeutic algorithm are missing. The present level I systematic review presents a qualitative analysis of advancements in physiotherapy over the past decades to discuss the role of physical and rehabilitation medicine in the management of cLBP. Methods In August 2025, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, Web of Science and Embase. All randomised controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of physiotherapy programs in patients with cLBP were assessed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The data extraction and risk-of-bias evaluation were performed independently by two authors. Results Data from 150 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (12,773 patients) were collected. The mean symptom duration was 61.2 ± 51.0 months, and the mean follow-up was 4.3 ± 5.9 months. The mean age was 44.5 ± 9.4 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.8 ± 2.9 kg/m2. Conclusions Managing cLBP is challenging. While individual investigations highlight the efficacy of a specific intervention, most cLBP management strategies share common elements. Combining key elements from various approaches may prove crucial. Although this result is not decisive for treatment, it paves the way for further research that considers a more holistic and multidisciplinary approach.