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Resistance Exercise Effects on Fear Avoidance

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Resistance Exercise Effects on Fear Avoidance Beliefs and Physical Function in Obese, Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain

A Research Study on Back Pain

What is this study about?
Low back pain is common in obesity, and pain may be due to low muscle strength. Pain related fear and avoidance of physical activity are often the result and this is related to disability.

This study will examine whether low back resistance exercise alone or total body resistance exercise improves low back strength and function and reduces fear avoidance of activity in the obese, older adult.

We are looking to enroll 60 people with low back pain symptoms. Study participants will either perform 4 months of whole body resistance exercise low back resistance exercise, or will be in a control group (who will exercise after the four months). Low back pain ratings, pain-related fear avoidance, functional ability (chair rise time, stair climb ability, gait tests, graded walking tests, community ambulation), and self-reported disability will be collected before and after the 4 month period.

All participants will be paid $400 for completion of the study and free parking.

Am I eligible?

  • Are you between 60-85 years of age?
  • Have you bee suffering from low back pain for 6 months or longer?
  • Do you have 3 or more back pain episodes per week?
  • (If male) Do you have a waist circumference of about 41 inches or more?
  • (If female) Do you have a waist circumference of 36 inches or more?
  • Would you be willing and able to participate in regular exercise for about 4 months?
  • Are you using pain medications to control low back pain?
  • On a 0-10 scale, where 0 is none and 10 is the worst, would you say that your back pain is at least a “3”?

If you meet the above criteria, you may eligible!

Contact our Clinical Research Coordinator to find out more:
Kelley Lamb
Phone: 352.273.8453
E-mail: lambkm@ortho.ufl.edu

This ad has been approved by the UF IRB, study protocol 258-2010.