Patients in chronic or persistent pain often do not meet national guidelines for exercise each week. In particular, patients with chronic low back pain have been shown to reduce daily, occupational, and recreational activities due to their symptoms and fear of re injury. Aerobic and strength training exercise remains one of the most important interventions for this patient population due to its’ impact on pain, function, mental, and physical health. In our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy offices we treat chronic pain with education, manual therapy, and graded exercise including strength training. A recent research study compared the effectiveness of heavier weight training exercises in this patient population.

Gibbs and colleagues compared the effectiveness of either body weight exercises or power lifting exercises in patients with chronic LBP (Clin Rehabil. 2022). 64 participants were randomized to either exercise program in addition to pain education. Exercise sessions were conducted in a one on one environment for 60 minutes over an 8 week time period. Each exercise session was combined with 5-15 minutes of pain education. Authors reported both exercise programs were safe and effective for patients with chronic low back pain.

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