Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program Research Articles

Disability reduction following a lumbar stabilization exercise program for low back pain: large vs. small improvement subgroup analyses of physical and psychological variables

BackgroundLittle is known about why patients with low back pain (LBP) respond differently to treatment, and more specifically, to a lumbar stabilization exercise program. As a first step toward answering this question, the present study evaluates how subgroups of patients who demonstrate large and small clinical improvements differ in terms of physical and psychological changes during treatment.MethodsParticipants (n = 110) performed the exercise program (clinical sessions and home exercises) over eight weeks, with 100 retained at six-month follow-up. Physical measures (lumbar segmental instability, motor control impairments, range of motion, trunk muscle endurance and physical performance tests) were collected twice (baseline, end of treatment), while psychological measures (fear-avoidance beliefs, pain catastrophizing, psychological distress, illness perceptions, outcome expectations) were collected at four time points (baseline, mid-treatment, end of treatment, follow-up). The participants were divided into three subgroups (large, moderate and small clinical improvements) based on the change of perceived disability scores. ANOVA for repeated measure compared well-contrasted subgroups (large vs. small improvement) at different times to test for SUBGROUP × TIME interactions.ResultsStatistically significant interactions were observed for several physical and psychological measures. In all these interactions, the large- and small-improvement subgroups were equivalent at baseline, but the large-improvement subgroup showed more improvements over time compared to the small-improvement subgroup. For psychological measures only (fear-avoidance beliefs, pain catastrophizing, illness perceptions), between-group differences reached moderate to strong effect sizes, at the end of treatment and follow-up.ConclusionsThe large-improvement subgroup showed more improvement than the small-improvement subgroup with regard to physical factors typically targeted by this specific exercise program as well as for psychological factors that are known to influence clinical outcomes.

Effects of a Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program on Low Back Pain, the Oswestry Disability Index, Use of Body Mechanics, and Lumbar Strength among Intensive Care Unit Nurses

Objectives: This study examined the effects of a lumbar stabilization exercise program on low back pain, the Oswestry Disability Index, use of body mechanics, and lumbar strength among intensive care unit nurses. Methods: Thirty-five nurses were assigned to an exercise group (n = 18) or a control group (n = 17) from a university hospital-affiliated intensive care unit. The 8-week lumbar stabilization exercise program comprised 30 minutes of stretching, lumbar stabilization exercise, and Mckenzie extension exercise (3 times/week) and a single education session on body mechanics. Outcomes were assessed using questionnaires on low back pain (visual analogue scale), the Oswestry Disability Index (%), use of body mechanics, and back strength (kg). Data were analyzed by χ²-test, independent t-test, and analysis of covariance. Results: The lumbar stabilization exercise program provided improvements in low back pain, the Oswestry Disability Index, use of body mechanics, and back strength Conclusions: Lumbar stabilization exercise program might be a useful strategy for enhancing usage of work-related body mechanics and back muscle strength, and ameliorating low back pain and disability index for nurses working at the intensive care units.

Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program with Proprioceptive Stimulation in 20s Female Low Back Pain Patient

Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program with Proprioceptive Stimulation in 20s Female Low Back Pain Patient

Derivation of clinical prediction rules for identifying patients with non-acute low back pain who respond best to a lumbar stabilization exercise program at post-treatment and six-month follow-up.

Low back pain (LBP) remains one of the most common and incapacitating health conditions worldwide. Clinical guidelines recommend exercise programs after the acute phase, but clinical effects are modest when assessed at a population level. Research needs to determine who is likely to benefit from specific exercise interventions, based on clinical presentation. This study aimed to derive clinical prediction rules (CPRs) for treatment success, using a lumbar stabilization exercise program (LSEP), at the end of treatment and at six-month follow-up. The eight-week LSEP, including clinical sessions and home exercises, was completed by 110 participants with non-acute LBP, with 100 retained at the six-month follow-up. Physical (lumbar segmental instability, motor control impairments, posture and range of motion, trunk muscle endurance and physical performance tests) and psychological (related to fear-avoidance and home-exercise adherence) measures were collected at a baseline clinical exam. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to predict clinical success, as defined by ≥50% decrease in the Oswestry Disability Index. CPRs were derived for success at program completion (T8) and six-month follow-up (T34), negotiating between predictive ability and clinical usability. The chosen CPRs contained four (T8) and three (T34) clinical tests, all theoretically related to spinal instability, making these CPRs specific to the treatment provided (LSEP). The chosen CPRs provided a positive likelihood ratio of 17.9 (T8) and 8.2 (T34), when two or more tests were positive. When applying these CPRs, the probability of treatment success rose from 49% to 96% at T8 and from 53% to 92% at T34. These results support the further development of these CPRs by proceeding to the validation stage.

The Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program Using Respiratory Resistance on Pain, Dysfunction, Psychosocial Factor, Respiratory Pressure in Female Patients in ’40s with Low Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program Using Respiratory Resistance on Pain, Dysfunction, Psychosocial Factor, Respiratory Pressure in Female Patients in ’40s with Low Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

Efficacy of the lumbar stabilization and thoracic mobilization exercise program on pain intensity and functional disability reduction in chronic low back pain patients with lumbar radiculopathy: A randomized controlled trial.

Exercise programs in the treatment of chronic lumbar pain are quite diverse, but it has been proven that stabilization exercises are the most effective. We compared the lumbar stabilization exercise program in a closed and open kinetic chain (LSCO) and lumbar stabilization exercises and thoracic mobilization program in a closed kinetic chain (LSTMC), and evaluated the clinical effectiveness of each program. Prospective, randomized, controlled trial in 80 chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients with lumbar radiculopathy of both sexes (35 male, 45 female), average age (48.45 ± 10.22 years), divided in two groups that performed different sets of exercises. Participants were given laser therapy, transcutaneous electro-nerve stimulation and an eight-week kinesiotherapy that included exercises to strengthen the deep lumbar spine stabilizers. Retesting was done after four and eight weeks. Statistically significant (p< 0.05) superior recovery of the LSTMC group subjects compared to the LSCO group was achieved at all measurement intervals in the pain intensity and functional disability parameters. Patients who performed the lumbar stabilization and thoracic mobilization exercise program in a closed kinetic chain had the most effective reduction of pain intensity and functional disability.

Comparison of Effects of Abdominal Draw-In Lumbar Stabilization Exercises with and without Respiratory Resistance on Women with Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundThis study examined the effects of abdominal draw-in lumbar stabilization exercises (ADIM) with respiratory resistance on women ages 40–49 years with low back pain.Material/MethodsForty-four women ages 40–49 years were screened for participation and were randomly assigned to either a respiratory with resistance exercise group (n=22) or a control group (n=22). Abdominal draw-in lumbar stabilization exercises were administered to both groups, but only the respiratory with resistance exercise group received the respiratory resistance training. The exercise training lasted 50 min per session, 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. The assessment methods used were the quadruple visual analogue scale (QVAS), Oswestry disability index-Korean version (ODI-K), diaphragm thickness and contraction rate, and lung capacity test.ResultsBoth groups showed significant differences in the QVAS, ODI-K, maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), and diaphragm thickness and contraction rate before and after the intervention (p<0.05). In the respiratory resistance exercise group, the ODI-K, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), MVV, and diaphragm thickness and contraction rate showed significantly better improvement than the control group (p<0.05).ConclusionsA lumbar stabilization exercise program consisting of ADIM and respiratory resistance resulted in decreased pain, reduced dysfunctions, and increased muscle thickness in contraction, contraction rate, and pulmonary function. Strong contraction of the diaphragm and deep abdominal muscles through breathing resistance increased the pressure in the abdominal cavity. Therefore, this may be an effective clinical exercise method for patients with lumbar instability.

Effect of different exercise programs on non-specific chronic low back pain and disability in people who perform sedentary work

BackgroundThis study compared the short- and long-term effects of different exercise programs on lumbar muscle function, cross-sectional area of the multifidus muscle, functional disability and low back pain in people who perform sedentary work. MethodsA total of 70 volunteer women with sedentary occupations suffering from low back pain were randomized to either the lumbar stabilization exercise program group or the lumbar muscle strengthening exercise program group. All subjects entered the 20-week exercise programs. The measurement of the cross-sectional area of the multifidus muscle was executed by using an ultrasound system, isokinetic peak torque was measured applying an isokinetic dynamometer. FindingsThe results indicated that the 20-week exercise programs reduced low back pain and functional disability. Positive effects for the cross-sectional area of the multifidus muscle, functional disability and low back pain lasted for 4 weeks after the application of lumbar muscle strengthening exercise program and for 12 weeks after the application of lumbar stabilization exercise program. The lumbar muscle strength increased and lasted for 8 weeks after both exercise programs. InterpretationThe 20-week lumbar stabilization exercise and muscle strengthening exercise programs were efficacious in decreasing LBP and functional disability in people performing sedentary work, however the lumbar stabilization exercise program was more effective, and this effect lasted for 12 weeks after completion of the program.

Association Between Clinical Tests Related to Motor Control Dysfunction and Changes in Pain and Disability After Lumbar Stabilization Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain

ObjectiveTo investigate whether clinical tests used to detect motor control dysfunction can predict improvements in pain and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP) who have undergone an 8-week lumbar stabilization exercise program. Study DesignA prospective cohort study. SettingOutpatient physical therapy university clinic. ParticipantsSeventy people with chronic nonspecific LBP were recruited, and 64 completed the exercise program (N=64). InterventionsThe lumbar stabilization program was provided twice a week for 8 weeks. Main Outcome MeasuresPain intensity (11-point numerical rating scale) and disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire) and clinical tests, such as the Deep Muscle Contraction (DMC) scale, Clinical Test of Thoracolumbar Dissociation (CTTD), and Passive Lumbar Extension (PLE) test. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used in the prediction analysis. ResultsMean changes in pain intensity and disability following the 8-week stabilization program were −3.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], −3.2 to −4.4) and −7.4 (95% CI, −6.3 to −8.5), respectively. Clinical test scores taken at baseline did not predict changes in pain and disability at 8-week follow-up. ConclusionOur findings revealed that the DMC scale, CTTD, PLE test, clinical tests used to assess motor control dysfunction, do not predict improvements in pain and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific LBP following an 8-week lumbar stabilization exercise program.

Ultrasound Measures of the Abdominal Wall in Patients with Low Back Pain Before and After an 8-week Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program, and Their Association With Clinical Outcomes.

Lumbar stabilization exercise programs (LSEPs) act positively on clinical outcome measures in patients with low back pain (LBP), but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Among the various neuromuscular mechanisms, a good candidate is better activation of the abdominal wall, as measured with rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI). To determine whether RUSI measures are (1) sensitive to LBP status and treatment (LSEP) and (2) correlate with clinical outcomes following the LSEP. An exploratory one-arm clinical trial with healthy participants as a control group. LSEP was delivered in a clinical setting; outcomes were measured in a laboratory setting. Thirty-one patients with nonacute LBP and 30 healthy controls. Outcome measures were performed before and after an 8-week LSEP in patients with LBP, and with the same time interval for control participants to compare with patients at baseline. Pain, disability, as well as static (at rest) and dynamic (percent thickness change) RUSI measures for abdominal muscles (transversus abdominis, internal oblique [IO], and external oblique [EO]). Patients did not produce systematic changes in RUSI measures relative to controls, even if patients had significant improvement in pain and disability. However, the correlational analyses between the absolute change (pre- to post-LSEP) (1) of EO and IO thickness (in mm) at rest (bilaterally), and (2) in pain following the LSEP were significant and consistent (range: .36-.45) in patients. Although positive clinical improvements were observed following LSEP, there were minimal systematic changes in RUSI measures, likely because patients were not different from controls at baseline. Correlational analyses, however, indicated that greater reductions in pain were associated with reduced thickness of the EO and IO following the LSEP, suggesting the presence of some heterogeneity (or clinical subgroups) among the patients. II.

Trunk postural adjustments: Medium-term reliability and correlation with changes of clinical outcomes following an 8-week lumbar stabilization exercise program

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) has been previously associated with delayed anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) determined by trunk muscle activation. Lumbar stabilization exercise programs (LSEP) for patients with LBP may restore the trunk neuromuscular control of the lumbar spine, and normalize APAs. This exploratory study aimed at testing the reliability of EMG and kinematics-based postural adjustment measures over an 8-week interval, assessing their sensitivity to LBP status and treatment and examining their relationship with clinical outcomes. MethodsMuscle activation of 10 trunk muscles, using surface electromyography (EMG), and lumbar angular kinematics were recorded during a rapid arm-raising/lowering task. Patients with LBP were tested before and after an 8-week LSEP. Healthy controls receiving no treatment were assessed over the same interval to determine the reliability of the measures and act as a control group at baseline. Muscle activation onsets and reactive range of motion, range of velocities and accelerations were assessed for between group differences at baseline and pre- to post-treatment effects within patients with LBP using t-tests. Correlations between these dependent variables and the change of clinical outcomes (pain, disability) over treatment were also explored. ResultsKinematic-based measures showed comparable reliability to EMG-based measures. Between-group differences were found in lumbar lateral flexion ROM at baseline (patients < controls). In the patients with LBP, lateral flexion velocity and acceleration significantly increased following the LSEP. Correlational analyses revealed that lumbar angular kinematics were more sensitive to changes in pain intensity following the LSEP compared to EMG measures. These findings are interpreted in from the perspective of guarding behaviors and lumbar stability hypotheses. ConclusionFuture clinical trials are needed to target patients with and without delayed APAs at baseline and to explore the sensitivity of different outcome measures related to APAs. Different tasks more challenging to postural stability may need to be explored to more effectively reveal APA dysfunction.

Trunk postural balance and low back pain: Reliability and relationship with clinical changes following a lumbar stabilization exercise program

Lumbar stabilization programs reduce pain and disability, but the mechanisms of action underlying this treatment are unknown. Trunk postural control during unstable sitting represents a surrogate measure of motor control mechanisms involved to maintain the dynamic stability of the spine. This exploratory study aimed to determine the reliability of trunk postural control measures over an 8-week interval, their sensitivity to low back pain status and treatment and their relationship with clinical outcomes. Trunk postural control measures were determined in patients with low back pain before and after an 8-week lumbar stabilization exercise program. Healthy controls were assessed over the same interval, but without any treatment, to determine the reliability of the measures and act as a control group at baseline. The kinematics of a wobble chair during unstable sitting was summarized using different linear and nonlinear measures quantifying the quantity and quality of movement, respectively. The reliability of the measures was moderate to excellent. The results showed significant reduction in pain and disability following the intervention. While no impairment at baseline scores was found, some linear and nonlinear measures changed over the intervention period among the patient group. However, for nonlinear measures only, significant correlations were detected with the change scores of pain and disability. The change of measures over the intervention period was likely due to learning rather than the intervention as similar alteration was detected in the healthy subjects. The results suggest that only the quality (not the quantity) of movement may have relationship with pain and disability.

Effects of 12-week lumbar stabilization exercise and sling exercise on lumbosacral region angle, lumbar muscle strength, and pain scale of patients with chronic low back pain.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise and sling exercise on lumbosacral region angle, lumbar muscle strength, pain scale of patients with chronic low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 29 chronic low back pain patient women who were selected among participants in exercise class at K Region Health Promotion Center in South Korea and were randomly assigned to the lumbar stabilization exercise group (n=10), sling exercise group (n=10), and the control group (n=9). Both lumbar stabilization and sling exercise programs were executed for 60 minutes, three times a week, for 12 weeks. Before and after exercise we measured lumbosacral region angle (lumbar lordosis angle, lumbosacral angle, sacral inclination angle), lumbar muscle strength, and pain scale in all subjects. Two-way analysis of variance was conducted to analyze experimental data. In order to analyze the interaction effect, we conducted paired t-test before and after treatment. [Results] Lumbar stabilization exercise group and sling exercises group did not affect lumbar lordosis angle, lumbosacral angle and sacral inclination angle. Whereas the lumbar flexion muscle strength and lumbar extension muscle strength significantly increased in the lumbar stabilization exercise group and sling exercise group. The flexibility increased in the lumbar stabilization exercise group and sling exercise group. The pain scale decreased in the lumbar stabilization exercise group and sling exercise group. [Conclusion] Both lumbar stabilization exercise and sling exercises are useful therapeutic approaches to chronic back pain.

Psychometric Properties of the Deep Muscle Contraction Scale for Assessment of the Drawing-in Maneuver in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain.

Study Design A prospective cohort study. Background Motor control dysfunctions have been commonly reported in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Physical therapists need clinical tools with adequate psychometric properties to assess such patients in clinical practice. The deep muscle contraction (DMC) scale is a clinical rating scale for assessing patients' ability to voluntarily contract deep abdominal muscles. Objectives To investigate the intrarater reliability, floor and ceiling effects, internal and external responsiveness, and correlation analysis (with ultrasound measures) of the DMC scale in patients with chronic nonspecific LBP undergoing a lumbar stabilization exercise program. Methods Sixty-two patients with chronic nonspecific LBP were included. At baseline, self-report questionnaires were administered to patients and a trained assessor evaluated abdominal muscle recruitment with the DMC scale and ultrasound imaging. Four ratios of the change in abdominal muscle thickness between the resting and contracted states were calculated through the ultrasound measures. After 1 week, the same ultrasound measures and DMC scale were collected again for the reliability analysis. The proportions of patients with the lowest and highest scores on the DMC scale were calculated to investigate floor and ceiling effects. All patients underwent a lumbar stabilization program, administered twice a week for 8 weeks. After the treatment period, all measures were collected again, with the addition of the global perceived effect scale, to assess the internal and external responsiveness of the measures. Correlation coefficients between ultrasound ratios and DMC scale total and subscale scores were also calculated. Results The intrarater reliability of the DMC scale and the 4 ratios of abdominal muscle thickness varied from moderate to excellent. The DMC scale showed no floor or ceiling effects. Results for internal responsiveness of the DMC scale showed large effect sizes (2.26; 84% confidence interval [CI]: 2.06, 2.45), whereas the external responsiveness was below the proposed threshold (area under the curve = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.68). Fair and significant correlations between some ultrasound ratios and DMC subscales were found. Conclusion The DMC scale was demonstrated to be a reliable tool, with no ceiling and floor effects, and to detect change in the ability to contract the deep abdominal muscles after a lumbar stabilization exercise program, but with low accuracy for estimating patient-perceived clinical outcome. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(6):432-441. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7140.

Effects of a 16-week Pilates exercises training program for isometric trunk extension and flexion strength

To evaluate the effects of Pilates exercises designed to improve isometric trunk extension and flexion strength of muscles in women with chronic low back pain (cLBP). Female volunteers with cLBP were divided into an experimental group (EG; n=27) and a control group (CG; n=27). Pilates exercises were performed twice per week by the EG; the duration of each session was 60min. The program lasted for 16 weeks; thus patients underwent a total of 32 exercise sessions. The maximum isometric waist bending strength of the EG had improved significantly (p=0.001) after 16 weeks of the Pilates program. The results of trunk flexion muscle endurance tests significantly depended on the trunk extension muscle endurance before the intervention, and at 1 month (r=0.723, p<0.001) and 2 months (r=0.779, p<0.001) after the Pilates exercise program. At the end of the 16-week exercise program, cLBP intensity decreased by 2.01±0.8 (p<0.05) in the EG, and this reduction persisted for 1 month after completion of the program. At 1 and 2 months after cessation of the Pilates exercise program the pain intensified and the functional state deteriorated much faster than the maximum trunk muscle strength. Therefore, it can be concluded that, to decrease pain and improve functional condition, regular exercise (and not only improved strength and endurance) is required. We established that, although the 16-week lumbar stabilization exercise program increased isometric trunk extension and flexion strength and this increase in strength persisted for 2 months, decreased LBP and improved functional condition endured for only 1 month.

Electromyographic Changes in Trunk Muscles During Graded Lumbar Stabilization Exercises

BackgroundLumbar stabilization exercises are effective for the treatment of patients with low back pain. However, personalized exercise programs are required to facilitate more efficient treatment, as each individual exhibits the different characteristics of the trunk muscles and pain. ObjectiveTo determine the effects of graded lumbar stabilization exercises on the trunk muscles in healthy individuals, using surface electromyography. DesignA cross-sectional prospective study. SettingOutpatient pain clinic. ParticipantsTen healthy male participants without low back pain were recruited on a volunteer basis. MethodsFour common lumbar stabilization exercises were selected, including the curl up, dead bug, Superman, and bird dog exercises. Each exercise was divided into 5 intensity levels, with participants performing all exercises at each intensity level, to a total of 20 exercises. Electromyographic changes in the trunk muscles according to intensity level were analyzed. Main Outcome MeasurementsUsing superficial electromyography, the peak amplitude and area under the curve for each of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique abdominis (EO), multifidus (MF), and erector spinae (ES) muscles were measured. ResultsIn general, as the level of intensity increased, the activity of the related lumbar stabilizing muscles also increased significantly (P < .05). Specifically, the peak amplitudes of the RA (P = .008) and EO (P < .001) were increased during the curl up exercise, whereas the peak amplitudes of the MF (P < .001) and ES (P = .002) were increased during the bird dog exercise. The prolonged exercise duration of the Superman exercise increased the mean area under the curve of MF, ES, and RA (P < .001). ConclusionsUsing a graded exercise program, an appropriate level of exercise intensity can be prescribed and modulated according to patient tolerance and physical ability. Therefore, a graded lumbar stabilization exercise program may represent an effective way to strengthen the lumbar stabilizing muscles in patients with low back pain.

The effects of an 8-week stabilization exercise program on lumbar movement sense in patients with low back pain.

BackgroundLumbar stabilization exercises have gained popularity and credibility in patients with non-acute low back pain. Previous research provides more support to strength/resistance and coordination/stabilisation programs. Some authors also suggest adding strength/resistance training following motor control exercises. However, the effect of such a lumbar stabilization program on lumbar proprioception has never been tested so far. The present study investigated the effects of an 8-week stabilization exercise program on lumbar proprioception in patients with low back pain (LBP) and assessed the 8-week test-retest reliability of lumbar proprioception in control subjects.MethodsLumbar proprioception was measured before and after an 8-week lumbar stabilization exercise program for patients with LBP. Control subjects participated in the same protocol but received no treatment.ResultsThe lumbar proprioception measure showed moderate reliability. Patients with LBP and control subjects demonstrated no differences in lumbar proprioception at baseline. Participants from both groups showed better proprioception following the 8-week interval, demonstrating the presence of learning between testing days.ConclusionsThe improvement of lumbar proprioception seen in both groups was ascribed to motor learning of the test itself. The effect of lumbar stabilization exercises on lumbar proprioception remains unknown because the LBP group did not show lumbar proprioception impairments.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-016-0875-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program on the Ratio of Abdominal and Back Muscle Strength in White Collar Workers

Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program on the Ratio of Abdominal and Back Muscle Strength in White Collar Workers

요부 안정화운동과 하지 근력강화운동이 만성 요통환자의 통증과 하지근력에 미치는 영향

Purpose: This study was to investigate the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise and lower extremity strengthening program on pain, lower extremity muscle in patients with chronic low back pain. Method: The subject were randomly divided two groups. 15 people who were conducted lower extremity exercises and lumbar stabilization exercises called the combined exercise group and other(15 people) who were only conducted lower extremity exercise group. The assessment tools were the pain level and the led muscle power. Exercise was conducted for eight weeks. Result: Pain of the combined exercise group showed significant differences in the change in pain level(p

The Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise on Pain and Range of Motion in the Shoulder

Background: Lumbar stabilization exercise was used to improve spinal mobilization and stabilization. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise programs on shoulder pain and range of motion among a group of elderly individuals. Methods: The study subjects were 28 elderly patients from C hospital, Gochang, Jeollabukdo. They were randomly divided into 3 groups: lumbar stability exercise group, passive upper arm exercise group, and conservative therapy group. The therapies were conducted for 4 weeks. Shoulder pain and range of motion were measured both before and after therapies. The homogeneity of study subjects was analyzed using the chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. For the pre-/post-status comparison, the Wilcoxon’s signed-ranks tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted. Results: General characteristics including age, sex, and disease history of the 3 groups were comparable. After 4 weeks of exercise, shoulder pain was significantly reduced in the lumbar stability exercise group (6.4±2.9 vs. 3.6±3.1, P=.026) and range of motion was significantly increased in the same group. More specifically, right flexion (121.1±12.0° vs. 137.9±11.9°, P=.008), right abduction (96.6±21.8° vs. 129.7±50.7°, P=.008), and left abduction (92.0±21.8° vs. 110.3±21.2°, P=.038) increased significantly. Conclusions: Shoulder pain and range of motion improved significantly in the lumbar stability exercise group. Further study is needed to look into the longer effects of this exercise program using more subjects.