This randomised controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of different exercise modalities for individuals with low back pain. Participants will be allocated to one of three groups: a control arm (usual exercise), a running-based intervention, or a swimming/cycling-based intervention. Outcomes related to pain and function will be measured at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 months.
Aged 18-45 years
Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study
Suffering from chronic NSLBP (more than 3 months, localised below the costal margin and above the gluteal folds)
Suffers from pain or functional limitations as a result of their LBP (minimum VAS (back) score of 3/10 or ODI score of at least 5/50 or RMD score of at least 5/24 (note, unlike ODI, RMD does not describe specific cuts offs for different levels of disability)
Radiating pain to leg / sciatica / acute radiculopathy
Specific diagnosis/condition for LBP (e.g. herniated disk, degenerative disk disease, spondylolysis, spinal stenosis, spinal tumour, facet joint damage)
History of osteoporosis , arthritis, scoliosis, or kyphosis.
Current spinal infection, cancer or a current fracture (any bone).