The Effect of Segmental Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Disability and Static Postural Stability in Patients with Spondylolisthesis: A Double Blinded Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of stabilization and general exercises on pain, disability and postural stability variables in patients with spondylolisthesis. Methods. 24 patients randomly assigned into the stabilization (n=12) and general exercise (n=12) groups. Both groups performed the exercises 2 times a week for a period of 2 months. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Quebec back pain disability questionnaire were used to assess the pain and functional disability, respectively. Postural stability has been evaluated using a force platform with eyes opened and closed while standing on firm and foam base of support. The parameters were the mean total velocity (M-V) and the SD of velocity in sagittal (SD-Vy) and frontal (SD-Vx) plan. Results. There was a significant decrease in VAS and Quebec in both stabilization and general exercise groups (P= 0.001, P< 0.001 for VAS and P= 0.001, P= 0.001 for Quebec respectively). From postural stability parameters only SD-Vx has increases significantly in general exercise group (P= 0.008). More increase was observed in M-V variable in the stabilization group (P <0.001). Conclusions. Pain and disability were improved in both stabilization and general exercise groups but postural stability variables was not changed in different directions in stabilization group. © 2019, CIC Edizioni Internazionali s.r.l. All rights reserved.