A Randomized Controlled Trial (Rct) on the Effects of Frequency Of Application Of Spinal Stabilisation Exercises On Plasma Serotonin Levels In Participants With Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of frequency of application of spinal stabilization exercises on plasma levels of serotonin in participants with chronic low back disorders. Methods: Eighty four participants (34 males, 50 females) volunteered to take part in this study. Plasma level of serotonin was measured with Enzyme linked Immuno absorbent assasy (ELISA) technique. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the exercise groups where they carried out exercise training at different frequencies i.e. once weekly (1wkly), twice weekly (2wkly)and three times a week (3wkly) or the control (no exercise group). Data were collected at baseline, after six weeks of exercise treatment and at 18 week follow up after exercise treatment. Results: The result showed that plasma levels of serotonin increases significantly in all the exercises groups after 6 weeks of treatment with the highest increase in the three times a week (P<0.05). Surprisingly, only the three times a week (3wkl) showed significant increase in plasma serotonin level at three months follow up (P<0.05) which was not present in all other exercise groups. Conclusion: The result of this study suggested that stabilization exercises carried out three times a week could be associated perhaps be associated with an optimal biochemical and long term therapeutic effects of spinal stabilization exercise via increase in production of plasma serotonin levels.