In 2009 pilot study, conducted by Jau-Yih Tsauo and colleagues, the effectiveness of an individualized functional training program for patients suffering from chronic low back pain (LBP) was investigated. This study aimed to explore the impact of such a program on alleviating pain and improving functional capacity in individuals with non-specific LBP lasting for at least three months.

The study employed a randomized, controlled trial with a single-blind design. Participants were randomly assigned to either a training group or a control group. Both groups continued their current treatments, while the training group engaged in an additional functional training program totaling 100 hours.

Assessment measures were conducted at the beginning of the study and upon completion of the training program. These measures included ratings of impairment associated with pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE).

Results from the study revealed that among the thirteen participants who completed the training program and measurements in the training group, significant improvements were observed in twelve items of FCE. Conversely, the control group, consisting of twelve participants who completed measurements, showed improvement in only one item of FCE.

Moreover, participants in the training group experienced significant reductions in pain severity, activity limitations due to pain, and emotional disturbance caused by pain. Specifically, pain severity decreased from 11.8 ± 3.6 to 5.6 ± 3.6, activity limitations decreased from 3.2 ± 1.5 to 1.5 ± 1.1, and emotional disturbance decreased from 4.3 ± 1.7 to 2.2 ± 1.4. Conversely, no significant changes were observed in these parameters within the control group.

Furthermore, the ODI showed a significant reduction (p = 0.044) in the training group, decreasing from 22 ± 9 to 16 ± 9, while no significant change was noted in the control group.

In conclusion, the findings of this pilot study suggest that an individualized functional training program holds promise as an effective intervention for chronic LBP patients. This approach not only demonstrates improvements in functional capacity but also contributes to the alleviation of pain severity and associated limitations. Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to validate these findings and explore the long-term benefits of such interventions.

Reference: Tsauo, J. Y., Chen, W. H., Liang, H. W., & Jang, Y. (2009). The effectiveness of a functional training programme for patients with chronic low back pain–a pilot study. Disability and rehabilitation, 31(13), 1100-1106.