Abstract
BackgroundLow back pain causes changes in muscle activation patterns. Knowing how different exercises may improve altered muscle activation is useful in the treatment of patients. The aim of the study was to investigate whether there was a difference in the pattern of muscle activation in chronic nonspecific low back pain sufferers following core stability exercise (CSE) and general exercise (GE).MethodsFifty-six non-specific chronic LBP subjects were randomly assigned to either groups (28 participants in CSE and 28 in GE group). Both groups performed 16 sessions of an exercise program for about 5 weeks. Pain, disability and trunk muscle activation patterns (using surface electromyography) were measured at baseline and post-training.ResultsAfter the intervention period, antagonist coactivation ratio did not change in either groups. Though all compensated imbalance ratios (residual unequal muscular activity after cancellation of directionality) decreased towards negative (imbalance to left side) only this change for total muscles ratio in GE was significant (mean difference in GE group, 0.15; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.28; p-value of paired t-test: 0.022); (mean difference in CSE, 0.02; 95% CI: − 0.07 to 0.11; p-value of paired t-test: 0.614).. No overall significantly decrease in uncompensated imbalance ratio (absolute imbalance values without cancellation directionality) was observed. Pain and disability decreased significantly in both groups. However, there was no difference between two groups in either of the variables after the intervention.ConclusionsBoth exercise programs reduced pain and disability and made or kept trunk muscle activation imbalance to the left side. The effects of two exercises on pain, disability and antagonist coactivation or imbalance ratios were not different.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Center with the code IRCT201111098035N1, Registered Jan 21, 2013.
Highlights
Low back pain causes changes in muscle activation patterns
Since spinal stabilization and control is altered in LBP patients [3], core stability exercise (CSE) is suggested as a treatment in recent years
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of CSE (The CSE group served as a treatment group) and general exercise (GE) (The GE group served as a control group) on trunk muscle activation patterns and imbalance in non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients
Summary
Low back pain causes changes in muscle activation patterns. Knowing how different exercises may improve altered muscle activation is useful in the treatment of patients. The aim of the study was to investigate whether there was a difference in the pattern of muscle activation in chronic nonspecific low back pain sufferers following core stability exercise (CSE) and general exercise (GE). Most clinical practice guidelines endorse exercise for the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP) including core stability exercises (CSE) and general exercises (GE) [1, 2]. Since spinal stabilization and control is altered in LBP patients [3], CSE is suggested as a treatment in recent years. These exercises aim to re-educate coactivation patterns of local and global back muscles [4]. In the 1990s, general strengthening exercises were more popular than other types of exercise for patients with CLBP [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
