THE EFFECT OF LUMBAR STABILIZATION EXERCISES ON CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective
 The aim of this study is to investigate the effect
 of lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE) on pain,
 functional capacity, quality of life, and balance in
 patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), and also
 to evaluate the effect on the cross-sectional area of
 the lumbar multifidus muscle.
 Material and Method
 Sixty-six patients with CLBP were enrolled,
 randomized, and divided into two groups. LSE,
 transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS),
 and hot pack treatments were performed in Group
 1 (n=28). In Group 2 (n=37), TENS and hot pack
 treatments were performed only. Pre and 8-week
 post-treatment assessments were made. Visual
 Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain.
 Modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Roland
 Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were used
 to evaluate the functional disability. Short Form-36
 (SF-36) was used to measure the quality of life. In
 the assessment of balance, a Tetrax® posturography
 device (Sunlight Medical Ltd, Israel) was used and fall
 index (FI) was calculated. The cross-sectional area of
 multifidus muscles was measured by ultrasonography.
 Results
 Significant improvements regarding the crosssectional
 area of multifidus musclesand subparameters
 of SF-36 named physical role, pain,
 mental health, and energy/vitality were determined in
 Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p˂0.05). No significant
 difference was present between the groups regarding
 FI, VAS score, RMDQ, ODI, and balance.
 Conclusion
 Lumbar stabilization exercises in patients with chronic
 low back pain multifidus positively affects crosssectional
 area and quality of life. For our sample,
 the addition of lumbar stabilization exercises to
 the conventional physical therapy program does
 not provides an additional contribution in terms of
 balance, pain and disability.