TWO AEROBIC EXERCISE PROGRAMS IN MANAGEMENT OF BACK PAIN AMONG MIDDLE-AGED OBESE WOMEN: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY.

Purpose. Back pain is a frequent symptom in the obese. The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of two training programs on the reduction of back pain among obese women. Methods. The study included 30 obese women who reported back pain within 3 months preceding enrollment. The subjects were randomly allocated to endurance or endurance/resistance physical exercise. The intensity of the exercise was adjusted to 50-80% of HRmax. Back pain intensity, muscle strength of knee flexors and extensors, body balance and body composition were measured before and after training. Results. Both the endurance and endurance/resistance training exerted positive effect on back pain (p < 0.05). Similarly, in both training groups the significant increase in the strength of knee flexors and marked reduction of body fatness (p < 0.001 for all) was documented. However, the interventions' efficacies in selected groups did not differ. Conclusions. Both endurance and combined endurance/resistance training exert positive effect in decreasing back pain and improving functional fitness of obese women. Therefore, both forms of training may be recommended for individuals dealing with the abovementioned problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]