ABSTRACT Specific Exercises as a Secondary Preventative Intervention Programme for Low Back Pain in 12-13 year old Children Gina Lucia Fanucchi Supervisors: Dr Ronél Jordaan, Prof Aimee Stewart Many recent large epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of non-specific low back pain (LBP) in adolescents is very similar to that in adults, and that LBP in children is predictive of LBP in adults. As a result, it has been suggested that programmes targeting the prevention of LBP should be implemented early. However, there is currently very limited literature available on LBP preventative interventions during childhood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the efficacy of an eight-week specific exercise programme in reducing self-reported episodes and intensity of LBP, as well as modifying some of the identified risk factors for LBP in children. A randomised control trial was used. Seventy-two 12-13 year old children, who had complained of LBP in the past three months, were included in the study. The intervention group completed an eight week school-based specific exercise programme, whilst the control group continued with normal school activity during this time. Data were collected at baseline, immediately post-intervention and at three months post-intervention, using a valid, reliable questionnaire and physical measurements. Treatment groups were compared with respect to change from baseline to postintervention, using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with baseline values as covariates. Testing was done at the 0.05 level of significance. Significant improvements were observed in the exercise group for LBP prevalence (p=0.02), pain intensity VAS (3 months) (p<0.01) and VAS (1 month) (p=0.01), neural mobility (p<0.00001), hamstring flexibility (p<0.00001), iliopsoas flexibility (p<0.001) and lumbosacral position sense (p=0.01), immediately post-intervention, as well as three months post-intervention. Therefore, it can be concluded that specific exercises are beneficial in the prevention of LBP in 12-13 year old children. In addition, specific exercise programmes should be implemented early, ideally as an integral component of school physical education programmes.