Characteristics, at entry to the trial, of patients with low back pain grouped according to the training programme
| Variable | Group 1 (n=19) | Group 2 (n=20) | Group 3 (n=20) | p Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Values are mean (SD). The cross sectional area (CSA) of the multifidus muscle is expressed as a percentage of the CSA of the vertebral body. Group 1, 10 weeks of stabilisation training; group 2, 10 weeks of stabilisation training combined with dynamic resistance training; group 3, 10 weeks of stabilisation training combined with dynamic-static resistance training. | ||||
| Age (years) | 43 (13) | 44 (12) | 43 (12) | 0.72 |
| Height (cm) | 170 (10) | 169 (11) | 171 (9) | 0.95 |
| Weight (kg) | 71 (14) | 70 (14) | 70 (13) | 0.78 |
| CSA of multifidus | ||||
| L3 upper | 0.341 (0.058) | 0.385 (0.078) | 0.348 (0.097) | 0.19 |
| L4 upper | 0.547 (0.139) | 0.519 (0.096) | 0.498 (0.098) | 0.50 |
| L4 lower | 0.71 (0.161) | 0.725 (0.137) | 0.635 (0.126) | 0.145 |