RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of intermittent diet and/or physical therapy in patients with chronic low back pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty sedentary volunteers with chronic low back pain participated in the study. Body weight and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Pain severity was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS), while assessment of disability was done using Barthel Index (BI). RESULTS: The weight and BMI were reduced after treatment with diet only and diet plus physical therapy (p < 0.001). The pain severity was reduced in all the treated groups (p < 0.001), while BI was increased in the group treated with only physical therapy (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that intermittent diet and/or physical therapy are beneficial to patients with chronic low back pain in terms of pain sensation and daily activities.