Efficacy of abdominal trunk muscles-strengthening exercise using an innovative device in treating chronic low back pain: a controlled clinical trial

Satoshi Kato,Noritaka Yonezawa,Ryohei Annen,Makoto Handa,Yuki Kurokawa,Kazuya Shinmura,Satoru Demura,Ryo Kitagawa,Takaki Shimizu,Norihiro Oku,Noriaki Yokogawa,Hiroyuki Tsuchiya

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-78908-9

Satoshi Kato, Noritaka Yonezawa + Show 10 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-78908-9

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Journal: Scientific Reports	Publication Date: Dec 1, 2020
Citations: 6	License type: open-access

Affiliation: Kanazawa University

Abstract

Exercise is the most common conservative intervention for chronic low back pain (CLBP). We have developed an innovative exercise device for the abdominal trunk muscles that also measures muscle strength in a sitting position. The device, which is easy for patients with CLBP to use, allows for lumbar stabilization exercise under pressure. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of abdominal trunk muscle strengthening using the device in improving CLBP. We conducted a two-group non-randomized controlled clinical trial. CLBP patients were allocated into two groups. The strengthening group underwent a 12-week exercise program that included abdominal trunk muscle strengthening using our device and stretching exercises, while the control group received a 12-week stretching exercise program. The outcome measures included the improvement of the abdominal trunk muscle strength measured by the device, pain intensity of CLBP, physical function, and quality of life (QOL). A total of 40 participants (20 in each group) were analyzed. The strengthening group showed better improvement in the abdominal trunk muscle strength, CLBP, physical function, and QOL than in the control group. In conclusion, the strengthening exercise using the device with easy stretching was effective in improving the strength of the abdominal trunk muscles, pain intensity of CLBP, physical function, and QOL.

Highlights

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of abdominal trunk muscle strengthening using the device in improving the pain intensity of chronic low back pain (CLBP), physical function, and quality of life (QOL) among patients with CLBP
Two participants in the strengthening group and two in the control group regularly exercised in their daily lives, but none performed specific exercises for low back pain
No significant change in Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) was observed in the control group. These results demonstrated that the abdominal trunk muscle strength and Low back pain (LBP) improved after 4 weeks of strengthening exercise using the device, and these improvements were maintained at 12 weeks after the intervention

Summary

Introduction

Exercise is the most common conservative intervention for chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study aimed to examine the efficacy of abdominal trunk muscle strengthening using the device in improving CLBP. The outcome measures included the improvement of the abdominal trunk muscle strength measured by the device, pain intensity of CLBP, physical function, and quality of life (QOL). The strengthening group showed better improvement in the abdominal trunk muscle strength, CLBP, physical function, and QOL than in the control group. The strengthening exercise using the device with easy stretching was effective in improving the strength of the abdominal trunk muscles, pain intensity of CLBP, physical function, and QOL. Stabilization exercises aiming to improve the function of specific trunk muscles supposedly control the movement of the spine. Through the regaining control and coordination of the spine and pelvis, these exercises could be effective in the treatment of L BP17,18

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