Comparison of the Effects of Self-Myofascial Release and Combined Core Stabilization Exercises in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Students with Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of two treatment protocols, core stability exercises combined with the self-myofascial release and only the self-myofascial release on physiotherapy and rehabilitation students sufferin from non-specific low back pain in terms of functional capability and pain. Study Design: Randomized Clinical Trial. Methods: 28 (18 females, 10 males) physiotherapy students whose activity VAS was equal or more than 6 (mean age, 26.78 ± 3.66 years) were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups. Group 1 received SMFR combined with core exercises while Group 2 received only SMFR. The duration of the study was 5 weeks and each protocol was performed 2 times per week. Evaluations were undertaken in the 1st, 3rd and 5th weeks. Functional capacity was evaluated with Oswestry Scale (ODI), while the pain was measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: VAS, total ODI and its sub-groups decreased statistically significantly in both groups (p˂0.05). Statistically significant decreases between groups have been found regarding VAS, total ODI and sub-ODI scores (pain intensity, lifting, walking, sitting, and standing) (p˂0.05). Conclusions: The self-myofascial release has a clinical effect in reducing pain, and improving function. We may conclude that self-myofascial release combined with core stability exercises seems to be more effective on pain and functional capacity.