Effects of a combined lumbar stabilization exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy on selected variables of individuals with non-specific low back pain: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine whether combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with Lumbar Stabilization Exercise (LSE) has more benefit in terms of reduction in pain, disability and fear avoidance beliefs of persons with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) as compared to LSE alone. Material and methodsForty-six individuals, with NSCLBP participated in this single blind randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned into one of two groups: CBT+LSE; (n=23) and LSE only; (n=23). Treatment was applied twice a week for 6 weeks. Outcomes assessed pre- and post-interventions were pain intensity (PI) using visual analogue scale (VAS), functional disability (FD) using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Fear Avoidance Beliefs (FAB) using Fear-Avoidance Beliefs questionnaire (FABQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired and independent t-tests as well as ANCOVA at α<0.05. ResultsParticipants in both groups were comparable in age and at all baseline values. The results showed no significant difference between the two groups for pain intensity (3.11±1.24 vs 3.33±1.41, p>0.05), FD (27.16±9.14 vs 30.22±11.98, p>0.05), physical activity related fear avoidance beliefs (13.63±7.60 vs 16.11±5.73, p>0.05) and work related fear avoidance beliefs (24.47±10.86 vs 28.72±9.405, p>0.05). However, there was a significant difference within each group in all the outcomes measured, p<0.05. ConclusionCombined intervention of CBT plus LSE was not more effective than LSE alone in the management of non-specific chronic low back pain.