This study investigated the physical and psychological changes in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients after participation in an 8-week water exercise class. Fifteen volunteers (age: 61.8±9.5yrs) who suffered from CLBP participated in the sessions of an 8 week water exercise class (2days/week, 90 min). After they finished the class, follow-up studies were held post-6 and 12 months (discontinued water exercise group: DWE group). The other group (continued water exercise group: CWE group) was also studied for comparison. CWE group consisted of 17 volunteers (age: 58.5±12.5yrs) and they also suffered from CLBP. They continued water exercise once or twice a week for 60 min. The physical and psychological measurements were assessed at pre (at the last sessions), post 6-month and 12-month in both groups. In DWE group, VAS (Visual analogue scale) increased significantly after 6 and 12 months (p<0.05). Anxiety (STAI) also increased after 6 and 12 months (p<0.05). On the other hand, in CWE group, VAS decreased significantly after 6 months, and ODQ improved after 6 and 12 months (p<0.05). Other variables (sitting trunk flexion, squat etc.) showed no significant changes, and the effects of water exercise tended to last These findings suggested that the effects gained by the participation in an 8 week water exercise were lost within 6 months after discontinuing water exercise. However, continued water exercise had a tendency to maintain the effects either physically or psychologically.
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