Effect of Central Stability and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Flexibility, Balance, Muscle Endurance and Quality of Life in Men With Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Study on the effectiveness of new methods of low back pain treatment is very important due to its high prevalence. There is no consensus on the most effective treatment for low back pain, despite the existence of different treatments options. Objective: This study aims to assess the effect of 8 weeks of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) and core stability (CS) exercises on pain, hamstring flexibility, balance, abdominal muscle strength, and quality of life (QoL) in men with chronic low back pain. Methods: Participants were 20 men with non-specific low back pain, randomly divided into two groups of DNS (Age=47.8±9.82 years, BMI=25.8±2.9 kg/m2) and CS (Age=42.4±11.8 years, BMI=28.1±13.1 kg/m2). Subjects performed exercises for 8 weeks. Before and after exercises, their pain, hamstring flexibility, static and dynamic balances, abdominal muscle strength, and QoL were assessed. For data analysis, the paired t-test and analysis of covariance were used, considering a significance level of P<0.05. Results: Both training methods improved pain, abdominal muscle strength and static balance. The CS exercise significantly improved hamstring muscle flexibility, and DNS exercise significantly improved QoL. The comparison between the two methods showed no significant difference in any study variables. Conclusion: Both CS and DNS exercises can be used in designing the interventions for patients with chronic low back pain.