Meta-analysis of exercise therapy for low back pain

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank almighty Lord for granting me the capability to proceed successfully. I would like to thank my supervisor, colleagues, and all those who helped me in completing this thesis, without their assistance and guidance this could not be possible. Last but not least, I would like to dedicate my thesis to all those who believe in the richness of learning

DECLARATION

I adjudge, the content of this dissertation is completely collected and done by unaided effort and the material in it, has not been published ever before. The opinion that is reflected in this dissertation is purely my opinion and does not represent any University's opinion.

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ABSTRACT

In this research study, the exercise therapy for all types of back pain has been analyzed nd discussed. For that more than 10 studies are being analyzed and discussed. Back pain is very common problem exists in the people of United States. The exercise therapies are very helpful in decreasing the back pain.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Aims and objectives3

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW4

Strengthening and low back pain4

Flexibility Training7

Flexibility or Stretching and low back pain8

Aerobic or Endurance Training9

Specific exercises and spine stability10

Specific Muscular Contributions11

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY14

Methods14

Study Identification and Selection14

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria14

Data Extraction and Analysis15

Meta-analyses16

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION17

Study Identification and Selection17

Inter-rater Agreement between Reviewers18

Data Extraction and Synthesis18

Study Heterogeneity19

Effect Measurements19

Sensitivity Analysis20

Discussion21

Study Limitations22

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION23

REFERENCES25

APPENDIX28

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Low back pain (LBP) remains a difficult and costly health problem in industrialized countries and the most common cause of work-related disability in people under 45 years of age. Where 90% of those with acute low back pain recover within 6 weeks, 2-7% develops CLBP (pain persisting for 12 weeks or more). The likelihood of recovery to pre-injury status for patients with chronic low back pain diminishes rapidly with the passage of time (Johannsen &Remvig& Kryger, 609). Low back pain (LBP) is a very common disorder with much documentation on its frequency, recurrence, treatment and costs. Bendix Bendix Ostenfeld &Bush & Andersen (148) and the World Health Organization (WHO) report LBP affects up to 80% of the population at some point in their lives. Johannsen &Remvig& Kryger (609 ) reports that 70-85% of all people have back pain at some time in life, that back pain is the most common cause of limitation in activity in those younger than 45 years of age, and that prevalence rates are shown to be from 12% to 35 %. The World Health Organization reports LBP to be the most prevalent of musculoskeletal disorders and that it affects 3-44% of the population at any given time. The financial impact of LBP is personal and societal. In 1990 there were almost 15 million office visits for 'mechanical' LBP which ranked fifth as a reason for all physician visits. LBP is the third most common cause of surgical procedures.

About 2% of the US workforce is compensated for back injuries each year (Johannsen &Remvig& Kryger, 609 ). Data from the 1998 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey showed that total ...