The effect of exercise therapy on cardiac autonomic functioning in persons with chronic non-specific low back pain: a preliminary analysis of RCT data

Abstract

This thesis investigates the effect of exercise therapy on heart rate variability (HRV) - a measure of autonomic nervous system function - in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP). People with CNSLBP often show impaired autonomic regulation, reflected by reduced HRV. Since exercise therapy may improve this function, the study compared high-intensity training (HIT) with moderate-intensity training (MIT). In a small-scale, double-blind randomized trial, five participants (HIT: 2, MIT: 3) followed a 12-week training intervention consisting of cardiovascular training, resistance training, and core stability training. While both groups showed slight improvements in HRV, no statistically significant differences were found between HIT and MIT. The small sample size limits the strength of the conclusions, but the findings suggest that exercise therapy may positively impact autonomic function in this population. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these preliminary results.