The association of pain with aerobic fitness in patients with chronic low back pain.

Abstract

To investigate the association of aerobic fitness (VO(2)max) with pain intensity as reported by a sample of patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). Cross-sectional with partial longitudinal follow-up. Outpatient interdisciplinary pain management program in a teaching hospital. A convenience sample of 75 patients with chronic LBP. Patients reported pain intensity before and after undergoing a modified treadmill test. Peak VO(2) was measured by using indirect calorimetry. Predicted VO(2)max was determined by extrapolating peak VO(2) and heart rate values during testing to predicted maximal heart rate. Aerobic fitness and pain intensity before and after testing. No significant relation was found between pain intensity and predicted VO(2)max or aerobic fitness. There is no association between pain intensity and aerobic fitness. Deconditioning, defined as a lack of cardiovascular fitness levels normal for age and gender, therefore does not contribute to pain intensity in patients with chronic LBP.