Effectiveness of Strength Training in Reducing Kinesiophobia in Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review
Autori
Galeotti Alessio [Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Campus of Savona, Savona, Italy]
Testa Marco [Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Campus of Savona, Savona, Italy]
Gambugini Riccardo [Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Campus of Savona, Savona, Italy]
Buzzatti Luca [School of Allied Health, Anglia Ruskin University, CB1 1PT Cambridge, UK]
Background and aims
Background: Kinesiophobia is a key psychological factor in the chronification of low back pain (LBP) and represents a significant barrier to functional recovery. Strength exercises are commonly recommended for chronic low back pain, yet their specific impact on kinesiophobia remains unclear.
Aim: To evaluate, through a systematic literature review, the effectiveness of lumbar strengthening exercises in reducing kinesiophobia in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain (CLBP).
Methods
Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 and PERSiST guidelines. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published since 2000 were included, involving adults with CLBP undergoing lumbar strengthening interventions. Primary outcomes were assessed using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) and/or the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ).
Results
Results: Out of 673 initially identified records, only 3 RCTs (n = 110 participants) met the eligibility criteria. Results indicate a reduction in kinesiophobia in the experimental groups, although high heterogeneity (I² = 94%) and non-significant overall effect (p = 0.12) limit the robustness of the findings.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Lumbar strengthening exercises may offer potential benefits in reducing kinesiophobia among individuals with CLBP, but current evidence is scarce and methodologically limited. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to clarify the specific role of strength training in this context.
REFERENCES
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