A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 54 studies.
Exercise reduced pain (SMD -0.49, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.59) immediately after treatment (44 trials, 3537 participants). Pain was estimated at 44 points on a 0 to 100-point scale (0 indicated no pain) in the control group; exercise reduced pain by an equivalent of 12 points (95% CI 10 to 15 points). Exercise improved physical function (SMD -0.52, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.64) immediately after treatment (44 trials, 3913 participants). Physical function was estimated at 38 points on a 0 to 100-point scale (0 indicated no loss of physical function) in the control group; exercise improved physical function by an equivalent of 10 points (95% CI 8 to 13 points). Exercise improved quality of life (SMD 0.28, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.40) immediately after treatment (13 studies,1073 participants). Quality of life was estimated at 43 points on a 0 to 100-point scale (100 indicated best quality of life) in the control group; exercise improved quality of life by an equivalent of 4 points (95% CI 2 to 5 points).
Primary/Secondary Keywords