The efficacy of exercise therapy for nonspecific chronic low back pain according to the FITT Principle: a systematic review with meta-analyses

Key Points

1. FITT principles in training involve Frequency, Intensity, Type, and Time.

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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Clinical practice guidelines consistently recommend therapeutic exercise to lessen disability for patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) (1). Large volumes of research on different exercise modalities for CNSLBP already exist, but these clinical trial outcomes remain highly heterogeneous due to non-standardized prescription and reporting, and tend to look at whole system interventions, for example, resistance exercise vs Pilates (2,3).

In contrast, using FITT principles (Frequency, Intensity, Type & Time) this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different exercise therapy interventions on disability in CNSLBP patients, and identify which of the FITT parameters were the most beneficial for functional outcomes.

Clinical practice guidelines consistently recommend therapeutic exercise to lessen disability for patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

The clinician must resist their own biases and prioritize patient preference, exercise practicalities (financial, time constraints, classes or personal training etc) and promote long term adherence when designing a program.

METHODS

• This study was a systematic review on RCT’s comparing exercise interventions differing in at least one FITT component and reporting on disability outcomes was included.

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