ABSTRACT
This study was designed to investigate the effect of low intensity resistance training on pain, disability and flexibility among adults with nonspecific chronic low back pain in Kaduna metropolis. A single group pre-test - post-test design was adopted in which 18 adults participated out of 32 patients through purposive sampling technique. Subjects were between the ages of 35 and 55 years with diagnosis of nonspecific chronic low back pain attending Physiotherapy and Orthopaedic clinics of Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital, Kaduna. The data was collected at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks of low intensity cycling training resistance training programme aimed at strengthening the core muscles of the back and its supporting regions, at frequency of 3 times per week on alternate days. And using a load of 40-60% 1-RM, 10 repetitions per set, in 1 - 3 sets per session in progression. The data was subjected to statistical analysis and student t-test was used to test the difference between pre-test and post-test of pain, disability and flexibility in the subjects at (p = 0.05) level of significance. The result of the study showed that there was significant reduction in pain intensity and disability index, while there was significant increase in low back flexibility. It can also be deduced from the study that low intensity resistance training programmes can improve the quality of life of chronic low back pain sufferer in terms of pain and functionality. It is therefore recommended that low intensity resistance training programme should be incorporated into chronic low back pain management by the health care providers managing low back pain patients. And a large scale study should be carried out to see if the same result can be replicated in a larger population.