Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of active non-weight-bearing (NWB) group exercising on women with non specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).

Methods:

Forty females with NSCLBP were assigned in a randomized control longitudinal single blinded pilot study. 20 of them were assigned to a NWB bi-weekly group exercise class and 20 females were included in the control group. The exercises involved the entire lumbo-pelvic spine aimed at improving lumbar mobility/flexibility and stability. Pain intensity (VAS), back specific disability (Rolland Morris questionnaire-RMQ), and lumbar flexion and extension ranges of motion measurements were taken prior to intervention (t 0), immediately following 4 weeks of intervention (t 1) and 8 weeks later (t f u). Reliability trials were conducted on 10 females. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical significance (p< 0.05).

Results:

The following significant changes in outcome measures were indicated at t 1 compared with t 0 and control group (p< 0.001): an increase in lumbar flexion and extension (mean difference= 9.26 (+ 54%) for flexion and 5.95 for extension (+ 98%)); reduction in VAS score (mean difference= 2.32 (+ 58%)) and RMQ score (mean difference= 4.9 (− 34%)). All changes remained significant at t f u. At t 0, lumbar flexion was correlated with extension (r= 0.547) and VAS (r=− 0.581), whereas the RMQ score correlated with VAS score (r= 0.599) and negatively with lumbar extension (r=− 0.665). At t 1, lumbar flexion correlated with extension (r= 0.664) and negatively with RMQ score (r=− 0.54). At t f u, changes in VAS score were negatively correlated with changes in lumbar flexion (r=− 0.522), while changes in lumbar flexion correlated with extension (r= 0.58).

Conclusions:

A functional program of NWB group exercising improves functional, painful status, lumbar flexion and extension ranges of motion in women suffering from NSCLBP.