The aim of the present study was to

evaluate the effect of combined therapy (physical

exercise, LASER and shortwave diathermy)

on nonspecific low back pain. METHODS: A

prospective, randomized, sham-controlled,

double-blind pilot study was conducted involving

40 individuals divided into four groups: exercise

group (exercise + sham laser + sham shortwave

diathermy); LLLT group (exercise + active laser

+ sham shortwave diathermy); diathermy group

(exercise + sham laser + active shortwave

diathermy); and combination group (exercise +

active laser + active shortwave diathermy). The

visual analog scale (VAS) and Roland-Morris

Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were used for

the evaluation of the primary outcome. RESULT:

Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in

all groups in comparison to baseline, but no

statistically significant differences were found

among the groups. Analyzing the protocols

separately, the VAS score was reduced by more

than 38% at the post-intervention evaluation

and 53% at the follow-up evaluation, with an

extremely strong effect size (p < 0.05). The

RMDQ score was reduced by more than 77% at

the post-intervention evaluation and 79% at the

follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSION: Thermal

and phototherapeutic resources are effective for

the treatment of chronic low back pain. However,

no statistically significant differences were

found between the different groups (exercise

alone, exercise + LLLT, exercise + shortwave

diathermy and exercise + LLLT + shortwave

diathermy). Further controlled studies with

larger samples and a longer follow-up time are

needed to determine the usefulness of combining physical resources for the treatment

of chronic nonspecific low back pain.