Weight training may enhance quality of life for some back-pain patients, researchers say.

USA Today (6/10, Lloyd) reports that, according to a study presented at a sports medicine meeting, "weight training and improving overall body strength could help" people manage "nagging back pain." Researchers from Canada's University of Alberta found that "weightlifting enhanced quality of life for back-pain patients by as much as 28 percent," with "more frequent training" leading "to better results." For the study, the team examined "240 men and women who had had no back surgery, damaged vertebrae, or nerve root problems. All had chronic, non-specific lower-back pain as a result of injury to soft tissue in the lower back." For the "first three weeks of the 16-week study, participants worked out with low levels of weight and fewer repetitions to prevent further injury." During "the last 13 weeks," participants undertook "a heavier, more demanding program" in order "to develop strength." The authors emphasized that "the benefit comes from bench presses for the chest, lateral pull-downs for strengthening the back, and leg presses," all three of which "were correlated with pain reduction."