Longitudinal impact of leisure-time physical activity on pain intensity and daily activity limitation in people with low back pain. Findings from the PAMPA cohort

Objective: We aimed to prospectively evaluate the association between leisure-time physical activity and outcomes related to low back pain (LBP), such as pain intensity and daily activity limitation.

Methods: We analyzed data from the PAMPA (Prospective Study about Mental and Physical Health) cohort, a longitudinal study with adults residing in Southern Brazil. Participants answered an online-based, self-administered questionnaire. Physical activity was assessed as minutes per week, and those who reported engaging in 150 min/week or more were considered active. We also assessed the types of activities participants engaged. Pain intensity was assessed with a numeric pain rating scale (from 0 to 10), and participants reported whether their pain restricted their daily activities. Generalized linear models were used to investigate the association between physical activity and LBP outcomes.

Results: Data from 991 individuals (82.7% women) aged 38.9 ± 13.9 were analyzed. Pain intensity was higher in those inactive in waves one (β: 0.54; 95 % CI 0.23, 0.86), three (β: 0.38; 95% CI 0.02, 0.75), and four (β: 0.48; 95% CI 0.06, 0.90). Also, being physically inactive at wave one was associated with a higher probability of daily activity limitation at waves two (IRR 1.77; 95% CI 1.27; 2.46), three (IRR 1.63; 95% CI 1.17, 2.29), and four (IRR 1.73; 95% CI 1.20, 2.50).

Conclusion: Not practicing at least 150 min/week of physical activity resulted in higher levels of pain and an increased risk of daily activity limitation in individuals with LBP. Moreover, various forms of activities have shown to be advantageous in alleviating pain among this group.