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Table 3 Description of the comorbidity-adapted exercise program for this feasibility study

From: A mixed-methods feasibility study of a comorbidity-adapted exercise program for low back pain in older adults (COMEBACK): a protocol

Exercise descriptiona

Time/dose/repetitions

Global muscle stretching (whole body)

10 min

Comorbidity-adapted exercises

35 min

 Muscle strengthening

  Gluteals

   • Sit to stand

15 repetitions

   • Chair squats

10 repetitions

   • Standing leg extensions/pulses

10 repetitions/side

   • Bridge

10 repetitions/3-s hold

  Lumbar erectors

   • Isometric seated back extensions

10 repetitions/3-s hold

   • Prone superman (bilateral and alternating unilateral)

5 repetitions/side

  Lower extremity

   • Alternating lunges

5 repetitions/side

   • Crab walk with resistance tubing

15 repetitions/side

   • Standing straight leg abductions (with resistance tubing or isometric)

10 repetitions/side

 Muscle stretching/mobilisation

  Lower extremity

 

   • Hamstrings, quadriceps, iliopsoas, gluteals

45 s/side

  Lumbar erectors

   • Cat/cow

10 repetitions/2-s hold

   • Cobra

45 s

 Core stabilisation

   • Dead bug

Dependent on patient ability

   • Quadruped

Dependent on patient ability

   • Seated knee raises with core activation

15 repetitions/side

   • Standing/sitting side crunches (weighted)

15 repetitions/side

 Balance training

   • Standing on towel (progression with eyes closed)

Hold for 15 s each leg (5 repetitions/side)

Aerobic training

15 min

   • Walking on treadmill or cycling

Dependent on patient ability/10 min

   • Step ups

5 min

  1. aAdapting the exercise program will include tailoring the exercise frequency, intensity, timing, and exercise type based on the presenting comorbid condition(s)