Effect of Plantar Flexor Stretching Exercises in Low Back Pain Management

Abstract

Objective: Effect Of Plantar Flexor Stretching Exercises In Low Back Pain Management Design: Randomized clinical trial Method and Measurements: 40 patients (M=20, F=20) from spinal clinic at Riyadh military hospital and king Saud medical city (Age 25-40 yrs) with Low back pain, onset ˃1-3 months (chronic) were randomly assigned to either group A (control group) receiving, stretching exercises (hamstring, back, and iliopsoas muscles),strengthening exercises (hamstring, iliopsoas, and abdominal muscles) or group B (experimental group) receiving, stretching exercises (hamstring, gastrocnemius, back, and iliopsoas muscles), Strengthening exercises (hamstring, gastrocnemius, iliopsoas, and abdominal muscles). Treatment was given 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Before treatment and after 6 weeks of treatment pain was assessed on VAS, fingertip-to-floor (FTF), test for the spine movement, and Low back pain disability questionnaire (OSWESTRY Questionnaire). Results: There was a significant difference between post results of the first group and the second group in ROM of trunk flexion and disability Questionnaire (OSWESTRY Questionnaire) where: p value of ROM of trunk flexion in the first group 0.012, and p value in the second group 0.0001, p value of disability questionnaire in the first group 0.001, and p value in the second group 0.0001. But, there is a significant difference in pain in the second group only where ; p value of pain in the first group 0.415, and p value in the second group 0.0001. Conclusion: In this study, the results indicate that the program is a safe, reliable and effective method that produces satisfactory results if it is carried out day by day with following the instructions concerning correct ADL.