To the editor: Re: Aleksiev AR. Ten-year follow-up of strengthening versus fl exibility exercises with or without abdominal bracing in recurrent low back pain [published ahead of print June 1, 2014]. Spine 2014;39:997-1003. doi: 10.1097/ BRS.0000000000000338.

摘要

With interest, we have read the randomized con-trolled trial by Prof. Aleksiev, describing the long-term effect of strengthening versus flexibility exercises and the additional effect of abdominal bracing in recurrent low back pain. This randomized controlled trial consisted of a relevant research question on low back pain as a common health issue. After reading the article, some questions remained. No details are described in the method about patient characteristics (only age was described) and in addition, the method of enrollment of patients remains unclear. Knowledge about the sample and setting would indicate the generalizability of this study.