The effect of stabilization exercises on diaphragm muscle thickness and movement in women with low back pain.

Abstract

Diaphragm is an important component of spinal stability. In presence of low back pain, there may be some alterations in this muscle like other muscles that are responsible for lumbal stabilization. This study aims to assess the effects of stabilization exercises on diaphragm muscle thickness and motion along with lumbopelvic stability. Twenty-one women with low back pain participated in the study. Stabilization exercises including motor control training were performed on treatment group (n= 11). In control group (n= 10), strentghening exercises were peformed for back muscles, abdominal muscles and hip muscles. The patients underwent a total of 30 sessions of treatment, 3 days in a week for 10 weeks. The diaphragm muscle thickness and motion was evaluated using ultrasound (US), and lumbopelvic stability was evaluated using lumbopelvic stability tests. After the treatment, in the treatment group, increase in diaphragm thickness and improvement in lumbopelvic stability were statically significant (p< 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in diaphragm motion in both groups (p> 0.05). As a result, stabilization exercises increase diaphragm muscle thickness and improve lumbopelvic stability in women with low back pain. Therefore, stabilization exercises should be considered as a part of the treatment program in low back pain.