A pilot study of comorbidity-adapted exercise for older adults with low back pain.

With an ageing population and increasing disability, low back pain (LBP) in older adults has a substantial socio-economic burden. Comorbidity (more than one chronic health condition) is common in the older patient, and poorly influences prognosis the outcomes of treatment. Recent research reports that in older adults, LBP is significantly associated with comorbidities including obesity, diabetes, pulmonary and cardiovascular problems. This study will assess the feasibility of a pilot study of comorbidity-adapted exercises for older people with LBP. If the study proves feasible, the main outcome will be the submission of an NHMRC clinical trials and cohort studies grant.