An Exercise Program in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

Exercise intervention aims to improve the function of the deep back muscles and spine stabilizers, which appear to be an essential factor in preventing low back pain recurrences. In order to achieve the best possible effect of exercise, the patient should exercise for a long time even after finishing the exercise program, and it is also essential that exercises improve the function of the deep back muscles and become a regular part of the patient's life. In cooperation with the Neurological Clinic and physiotherapists from the Rehabilitation Department of the Brno University Hospital, the investigators put together a rehabilitation program to improve the function of the deep back muscles and spine stabilizers (group I). This program contains commonly used exercises; the patient can perform the exercises himself at home after the training, and no special aids are needed. The rehabilitation program is based on daily independent exercise, while the patient keeps a record of his activity in an exercise diary, which should contribute to motivation for regular exercise. At the same time, the physiotherapist will contact the patients by phone at regular weekly intervals, thereby maintaining their motivation. A total of 3 exercises were created, in which the patient will be taught gradually, according to his abilities and exercise tolerance. Regular checks with a physiotherapist are established to evaluate the correctness of the exercises, frequency, and effect and to increase the difficulty of the exercises. At the end of the exercise program, the patient will be instructed that it is desirable to continue the regular exercise. That exercise should become a part of everyday life to prevent the recurrence of vertebral disorders. As part of our previous study entitled "Changes in the lumbar paraspinal muscles in patients with lower back pain," preliminary results showed a positive effect on the clinical condition of the patients, good tolerance of the exercises on the part