Effects of 6 Weeks Classification-guided Exercise on Pain and Functionality in Subgroups of Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background A physical therapeutic diagnosis, classified on the basis of underlying mechanics that produce disabilities, will help to predict the disorders and will be a guideline for determining the appropriate intervention. Fewer studies have investigated specific interventions via movement system impairment (MSI) classification of patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NCLBP). Purpose The aim of the present study is to compare the effects of general exercises and specific exercises of classified subgroups in patients with NCLBP. Study design Randomized Controlled Trial. Methods A total of 34 patients with NCLBP participated, 17 in the specific exercise group by MSI classification (the MSI group) and 17 in the general exercise group (the general group). Before and after a 6-week intervention program, low back pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), and functional evaluation was assessed using the Sorensen test and functional movement screening test (FMS). Results A significant time-by-group interaction was observed for the VAS, Sorensen, and FMS (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.05). A <italic>post hoc</italic> paired <italic>t</italic>-test showed that the VAS and the Sorensen test scores decreased, and FMS increased significantly post-intervention in the MSI group (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.01). The mean difference in the VAS, Sorensen, and FMS were significantly greater in the MSI group than in the general group (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.05). Conclusions The findings of this study suggest useful information for applying specific exercises in the subgroups, as determined by MSI classification.