These data suggest that the activity levels of patients with NSLBP are neither associated with , nor predictive of , disability or pain levels .
Although clinical guidelines advocate exercise and activity in the management of non-specific low back pain ( NSLBP ) , the link between levels of physical activity and outcomes is unclear .
This systematic review investigated the relationships between free living activity levels  after onset of low back pain ( LBP ) and measures of pain , and disability in patients with NSLBP .
Effects of recreational physical activity and back exercises on low back pain and psychological distress: findings from the UCLA Low Back Pain Study.
OBJECTIVES We sought to estimate the effects of recreational physical activity and back exercises on  low back pain , related disability , and psychological distress among patients r and omized to chiropractic or medical care in a managed care setting . METHODS Low back pain patients ( n=681 ) were r and omized and followed for 18 months . Participation in recreational physical activities , use of back exercises , and low back pain , related disability , and psychological distress were measured at baseline , at 6 weeks , and at 6 , 12 , and 18 months . Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to estimate adjusted associations of physical activity and back exercises with concurrent and subsequent pain , disability , and psychological distress . RESULTS Participation in recreational physical activities was inversely associated -- both cross-sectionally and longitudinally -- with low back pain , related disability , and psychological distress . By contrast , back exercise was positively associated -- both cross-sectionally and longitudinally -- with low back pain and related disability . CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that individuals with low back pain should refrain from specific back exercises and instead focus on nonspecific physical activities to reduce pain and improve psychological health
These data suggest that the activity levels of patients with NSLBP are neither associated with , nor predictive of , disability or pain levels .
Although clinical guidelines advocate exercise and activity in the management of non-specific low back pain ( NSLBP ) , the link between levels of physical activity and outcomes is unclear .
This systematic review investigated the relationships between free living activity levels  after onset of low back pain ( LBP ) and measures of pain , and disability in patients with NSLBP .