Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Research Articles

A Clinical Prediction Rule to Identify Patients With Low Back Pain Who Are Likely to Experience Short-Term Success Following Lumbar Stabilization Exercises: A Randomized Controlled Validation Study

Randomized controlled trial. To determine the validity of a previously suggested clinical prediction rule (CPR) for identifying patients most likely to experience short-term success following lumbar stabilization exercise (LSE). Background Although LSE is commonly used by physical therapists in the management of low back pain, it does not seem to be more effective than other interventions. A 4-item CPR for identifying patients most likely to benefit from LSE has been previously suggested but has yet to be validated. One hundred five patients with low back pain underwent a baseline examination to determine their status on the CPR (positive or negative). Patients were stratified by CPR status and then randomized to receive an LSE program or an intervention consisting of manual therapy (MT) and range-of-motion/flexibility exercises. Both interventions included 11 treatment sessions delivered over 8 weeks. Low back pain-related disability was measured by the modified version of the Oswestry Disability Index at baseline and upon completion of treatment. The statistical significance for the 2-way interaction between treatment group and CPR status for the level of disability at the end of the intervention was P = .17. However, among patients receiving LSE, those with a positive CPR status experienced less disability by the end of treatment compared with those with a negative CPR status (P = .02). Also, among patients with a positive CPR status, those receiving LSE experienced less disability by the end of treatment compared with those receiving MT (P = .03). In addition, there were main effects for treatment and CPR status. Patients receiving LSE experienced less disability by the end of treatment compared to patients receiving MT (P = .05), and patients with a positive CPR status experienced less disability by the end of treatment compared to patients with a negative CPR status, regardless of the treatment received (P = .04). When a modified version of the CPR (mCPR) containing only the presence of aberrant movement and a positive prone instability test was used, a significant interaction with treatment was found for final disability (P = .02). Of the patients who received LSE, those with a positive mCPR status experienced less disability by the end of treatment compared to those with a negative mCPR status (P = .02), and among patients with a positive mCPR status, those who received LSE experienced less disability by the end of treatment compared to those who received MT (P = .005). The previously suggested CPR for identifying patients likely to benefit from LSE could not be validated in this study. However, due to its relatively low level of power, this study could not invalidate the CPR, either. A modified version of the CPR that contains only 2 items may possess a better predictive validity to identify those most likely to succeed with an LSE program. Because this modified version was established through post hoc testing, an additional study is recommended to prospectively test its predictive validity. Prognosis, level 1b-.

Interactive Effects of Muscle Coordination Change and Muscle Activation to Lumbar Stabilization Exercise in Modern Dancer's Musculoskeletal Disorders

Interactive Effects of Muscle Coordination Change and Muscle Activation to Lumbar Stabilization Exercise in Modern Dancer's Musculoskeletal Disorders

Effectiveness of surgical versus conservative treatment for symptomatic unilateral spondylolysis of the lumbar spine in athletes: a systematic review protocol

Review question/objective This systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of surgical fixation, performed after a trial period of conservative management, compared to conservative management only for unilateral spondylolysis in athletes. More specifically, the objectives are: To assess whether surgical fixation compared to conservative management of unilateral spondylolysis allows athletes to return to their regular sport more rapidly. To identify which intervention is more effective in supporting the athlete to resume pre-injury function. Inclusion criteria Types of participants This review will consider studies in which participants are athletes with symptomatic unilateral spondylolysis of the lumbar spine. Athletes will be defined as individuals under the age of 50 competing in regular organised sporting activities. Both professional and amateur athletes will be considered participating in any type of sport. For participants to be included in the review unilateral spondylolysis has to be radiologically diagnosed in athletes with back pain using CT scanning, MRI or by Single-photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scanning. An inclusive approach will be adopted with respect to the geographical location of studies with participants from all countries and health care settings to be considered. Only studies where participants have first undergone a trial of conservative treatment prior to surgical intervention will be considered, as this is the current recommended practice. Types of intervention and comparators Surgical interventions, which attempt a direct repair of the pars interarticularis, will be considered for this review. Even though direct repair in the form of Buck's Repair is the most widely recommended surgical treatment for spondylolyis, other surgical techniques including segmental wire fixation and pediculolaminar hook screws have also been shown to be effective and will hence be included in the review.Given that this is a rare procedure and that spondylolyis procedures are only completed in specialist spinal surgery units it is likely that the surgeries will only be performed by a highly qualified specialist and therefore no studies will be excluded on the basis of who is performing the surgery. The comparators are the conservative treatments commonly used to treat unilateral spondylolyis in athletes and allow return to sport including, but not limited to rest, activity modification, bracing, lumbar stability exercises, pharmacological treatment and physical therapy. Types of outcomes The primary outcomes of interest in this review are return to sport, length of time before return to sport and level of sporting activity after treatment. With respect to measures of outcomes, a yes/no response will indicate return to sport, which may be gathered by patient observation or report. All objective and subjective measures of time to return to sport and level of post treatment sporting participation/activity level will be considered. Overall function and pain are secondary outcomes for the review.

Effect of functional lumbar stabilization exercises on pain, disability, and kinesiophobia in women with menstrual low back pain: a preliminary trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate the effect of functional lumbar stabilization exercises on pain, disability, and kinesiophobia in women with menstrual low back pain (LBP). MethodsThirty women with menstrual LBP participated in the study. Subjects were assigned to a control group (n=10, mean age=25.1 ±4.7years) and an intervention group (n=20, mean age=21.7±2.4years). Treatment for the intervention group consisted of functional lumbar stabilization exercises, 10 repetitions each, 3 times a day, for 3 consecutive months. The women in the control group received no exercise and performed their regular activity daily living. Pain intensity using a Numeric Pain Scale (NPS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland-Morris Questionnaire (RMQ), and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) was collected at baseline and at the end of 3months in both groups. ResultsStatistical analysis (paired t test) revealed a significant decrease in NPS, ODI, RMQ, and TSK after treatment in the intervention group. No significant difference in NPS, ODI, RMQ, or TSK was found between pre- and postmeasurement scores in the control group. In the analysis of covariance, controlling for pretest scores, a significant difference was found between the 2 groups in the postmeasurement score of NPS (P=.01), ODI (P<.001), RMQ (P=.002), and TSK (P=.04). ConclusionLumbar stabilization exercises were shown to improve pain, disability, and kinesiophobia during menstrual LBP for subjects who participated in this preliminary study compared to those who did not receive the intervention.

단기간의 요부안정화 운동이 만성요통환자의 근력과 자세균형에 미치는 영향

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term lumbar stabilization exercise to patients suffering from chronic low back pain(CLBP) on the strength of their lumbar flexor and extensor and the postural balance of them and to suggest effective treatment duration for them. METHODS: Study subjects were 20 patients with CLBP who`s been reported the pain for more than 12 weeks. For these subjects, muscle strength of both extensor and flexor of lumbar and the balancing ability were measured before and after the intervention. Lumbar stabilization exercise was composed of matt, ball and sling exercise. The intervention was applied for total 12 sessions for 4 weeks (3 times a week) and each session was for 40 minutes. RESULT: For muscle strength of both extensor and flexor of lumbar, there was significant differences after the application of lumbar stabilization exercise(p

경, 요추부의 안정화운동이 퇴행성디스크 환자의 요부 재위치인지력과 정적, 동적 균형능력 그리고 통증에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to examine the effects of cervical and lumbar stabilizing exercises performed together to control unstable postures of the vertebral column and recover the ability to control movements in chronic low back pain patients` lumbar functions. Method: Twenty-six chronic low back pain patients were divided into cervical lumbar stabilization exercise (CLSEG) and lumbar stabilization exercise (LSEG) group comprising 13 patients each. Exercise programs were applied three times per week for eight weeks. The patients` low back pain, measured using visual analog scales (VAS), lumbar reposition senses (12°, 36°, and 60°), and the distance of static/dynamic balance abilities were then measured and compared. Results: The exercises were effective in both groups. Whereas the distance of static balance abilities and lumbar reposition senses at 36° and 60° did not show any differences between the two exercise groups, the CLSEG program was more effective than the LSEG program in the distance of dynamic balance abilities, low back pain, and lumbar reposition senses at 12°. Conclusion: Additional cervical stabilization exercises for chronic low back pain patients decrease the positional couplings of all joints in the vertebral column. They also affect neutral positions and stability with well-controlled movements of the entire vertebral column and reflexive muscle reactions.

The Effect of Swiss Ball Stabilization Exercise on Pain and Bone Mineral Density of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to carry out a 16-week treatment of lumbar stabilization exercise with a ball targeting patients with chronic low back pain and investigate its effect on alleviation of low back pain and bone mineral density. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 36 patients who were diagnosed with chronic low back pain. They were divided into a conservative treatment group (CTG, n=12), floor exercise group (FEG, n=12), and ball exercise group (BEG, n=12). The degree of recovery from pain was looked into using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and DEXXUM T (OsteoSys, Seoul, Korea) which was used to observe the changes in bone mineral density. [Result] Although the VAS score was reduced in FEG and BEG with treatment, it was not reduced in CTG. Also, the bone mineral density was increased in FEG and BEG, while it was reduced in CTG. [Conclusion] Lumbar stabilization exercises using a ball are thought to be an effective interventional therapy for the alleviation of chronic low back pain and to increase bone mineral density of patients.

The Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise on Depression and Functions in Elderly Women with Low Back Pain

본 연구의 목적은 만성요통을 가진 여성 노인들을 대상으로 요부안정화운동을 실시하여 우울과 기능의 변화를 알아보고자 하였다. 대상자는 18명의 여성노인들을 무작위로 선택하여, 일반물리치료와 요부안정화를 받은 실험군과 일반물리치료를 받은 대조군으로 나누어 주당 3회 50분씩 6주간 시행하였다. 운동 전·후의 우울과 장애지수, 균형능력을 측정하여 운동 전과 운동 후, 군간을 비교하였다. 실험 결과 요부안정화군에서 우울척도에서 유의한 감소를 가져왔고, 오스웨스트리 요통장애지수, 일어서기검사에서 유의한 향상을 가져왔다. 한발서기 검사에서는 요부안정화 운동군의 왼쪽에서만 유의한 증가를 보였다. 이러한 결과는 요부안정화 운동이 만성요통을 가진 여성노인에게 기능의 향상 뿐만 아니라 우울의 감소에도 효과적이란 것을 알 수 있다.

Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program Using McGill and Sahrmann on Living Fitness and Activities of Daily Living in Elderly Women

Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program Using McGill and Sahrmann on Living Fitness and Activities of Daily Living in Elderly Women

요부안정화운동과 병행한 둔근운동이 요부불안정성을 가진 만성요통환자의 요부안정성에 미치는 영향

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if the program focusing on gluteal muscle exercise combined lumbar stabilization had an effects on pain, functional disability and lumbar instability in chronic low back pain patients who had lumbar instability. METHODS: Thirty four patients were recruited in this study. The participants were randomly allocated stabilization exercise group (SEG) (n=17) and gluteal muscle exercise group (GEG) (n=17). The gluteal muscle exercise group conducted gluteal muscle exercises combined lumbar stabilization and stabilization exercise group did only lumbar stabilization exercise for 30 minutes three times a week for six weeks. Pre-exercise assessment tools, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Korean version Oswestry Disability Index level (KODI) were used for pain and functional disability each. Also, these were scored by the tool of lumbar instability. The pain, functional disability levels, and lumbar instability after six weeks with this exercise were re-evaluated. RESULTS: First, SEG showed a significant decrease in the lumbar pain, functional disability levels and lumbar instability. Second, GEG showed a significant decrease in the lumbar pain, functional disability levels and lumbar instability. The third, GEG showed even more significant decrease in the lumbar pain levels, functional disability levels and lumbar instability than SEG. CONCLUSION: Gluteal muscle exercises combined lumbar stabilization are more effective than only lumbar stabilization exercise in the pain levels, functional disability levels and lumbar instability for the chronic low back pain patients with lumbar instability.

Lumbar Zygapophyseal Pain During Extension‐Based Stabilization Protocol Following Lumbar Transdiscal Biacuplasty

Transdiscal biacuplasty (TDB) is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of lumbar discogenic pain. Theoretically, TDB ablates the aberrant ingrowth of nerve fibers beyond the outer third of the annulus fibrosis of the lumbar intervertebral disk and treats annular tears via collagen reformation. Typically, recovery involves a robust rehabilitation protocol that emphasizes lumbar stabilization exercises, focusing on extension maneuvers while also strengthening the multifidi and transverse abdominus. New-onset postprocedural pain during recovery may occur; evaluation of nondiscogenic causes should be considered. We report 3 of 12 patients who developed zygapophyseal-mediated pain during the recovery period. Three of 12 patients who underwent TDB over a 1-year period, developed zygapophyseal-mediated back pain at the level of the original discogenic pathology. All three underwent unilateral intra-articular zygapophyseal injections with resolution of their new-onset symptoms. Novel postprocedural low back pain should provoke re-evaluation of potential etiologies such as persistent discogenic pathology, zygapophyseal or sacroiliac joint involvement, and other mechanical sources of pain. We postulate that extension maneuvers during rehabilitation, combined with lumbar bracing in extension, inadvertently triggered and potentially exacerbated pre-existing zygapophyseal irritation. The clinical implication of this scenario is novel distracting pain, caused by an alternative etiology to the original discogenic pain, and may present a confounder to the assessment of the efficacy of TDB.

The Interrater Reliability of Physical Examination Tests That May Predict the Outcome or Suggest the Need for Lumbar Stabilization Exercises

Interrater reliability. (1) To examine the interrater reliability of an existing clinical prediction rule (CPR) to predict the success of lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE), and (2) to examine the interrater reliability of 4 clinical tests that may be useful in determining the need for LSE. Physical therapists commonly use LSE to manage patients with low back pain. The clinical efficacy of LSE is unclear. A CPR has been previously suggested to identify patients most likely to benefit from LSE. The passive lumbar extension test, lumbar extension load test, active straight leg raise test, and active hip abduction test are 4 clinical tests that may also suggest the need for LSE. The reliability of these tests has not been established sufficiently. Thirty patients with low back pain, who participated in a larger randomized clinical trial, underwent all tests by 2 independent examiners. Kappa coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to establish the interrater reliability of the CPR and individual tests. The interrater reliability of the CPR was excellent (κ = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.65, 1.00). The interrater reliability of the individual items making up the CPR, as well as that of the passive lumbar extension test, was substantial (κ = 0.64-0.73 and κ = 0.76, respectively; 95% CI: 0.46, 1.00). The interrater reliability of the active straight leg raise test (κ = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.84) and lumbar extension load test (κ = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.78) was moderate. The interrater reliability of the active hip abduction test was poor (κ = -0.09; 95% CI; -0.35, 0.27). With the exception of the active hip abduction test, all other clinical tests can be considered sufficiently reliable for clinical use. The relatively small sample size likely contributed to the fairly wide confidence intervals around some of the reliability indices.

Quality of Systematic Reviews on Specific Spinal Stabilization Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain

Systematic literature review. To evaluate the quality of systematic reviews (SRs) on specific stabilization exercises for chronic low back pain (LBP). Multiple SRs regarding the effectiveness of lumbar stabilization exercises for people with chronic LBP have been published. As more SRs are published, the more it is recognized that, like other forms of research, methodological quality affects the validity of, and conclusions drawn from, the data. A search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase was completed. Additionally, the PEDro database was screened and hand searching was completed. Included SRs had to contain randomized controlled trials examining a specific stabilization exercise program for the treatment of chronic LBP. Additionally, the assessed outcome measures had to include pain and/or disability measures. Literature reviews and clinical practice guidelines were excluded. Three reviewers independently assessed each SR for methodological quality. The search produced 665 SRs for review, of which 8 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Consensus quality assessment scores ranged from 13/26 to 26/26, with an average of 20.7 points. Percent agreement and kappa values for individual criteria scores ranged from 50% to 92% and 0.25 to 0.85, respectively. Agreement was moderate to substantial across individual items, except for criterion 1. The intraclass correlation coefficient for overall score was 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.96, 0.99). This review of SRs identified several high-quality reviews that indicated some benefit of specific stabilization exercise programs for patients with nonspecific chronic LBP. Therapy, level 1a.

Effect of Lumbar Stabilization and Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises and lumbar dynamic strengthening exercises on the maximal isometric strength of the lumbar extensors, pain severity and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP).MethodsPatients suffering nonspecific LBP for more than 3 months were included prospectively and randomized into lumbar stabilization exercise group (n=11) or lumbar dynamic strengthening exercise group (n=10). Exercises were performed for 1 hour, twice weekly, for 8 weeks. The strength of the lumbar extensors was measured at various angles ranging from 0° to 72° at intervals of 12°, using a MedX. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODQ) were used to measure the severity of LBP and functional disability before and after the exercise.ResultsCompared with the baseline, lumbar extension strength at all angles improved significantly in both groups after 8 weeks. The improvements were significantly greater in the lumbar stabilization exercise group at 0° and 12° of lumbar flexion. VAS decreased significantly after treatment; however, the changes were not significantly different between the groups. ODQ scores improved significantly in the stabilization exercise group only.ConclusionBoth lumbar stabilization and dynamic strengthening exercise strengthened the lumbar extensors and reduced LBP. However, the lumbar stabilization exercise was more effective in lumbar extensor strengthening and functional improvement in patients with nonspecific chronic LBP.

The Effects of Deep Abdominal Muscle Strengthening Exercises on Respiratory Function and Lumbar Stability

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of deep abdominal muscle strengthening exercises on respiratory function and lumbar stability. [Subjects] From among 120 male and female students, 22 whose thoraxes opened no more than 5 cm during inspiration and expiration and whose forced expiratory flow rates were around 300 m/L were recruited. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group of eleven, who performed deep abdominal muscle strengthening exercises, and a control group of eleven, who received no particular intervention. [Methods] The subjects were instructed to perform normal breathing in the hook-lying position. They were then directed to hold their breath for ten seconds at the end of inspiration. Ten repetitions of this breathing comprised a set of respiratory training, and a total of five sets were performed by the subjects. [Results] Deep abdominal muscle training was effective at enhancing respiratory function and lumbar stabilization. [Conclusion] The clinical application of deep abdominal muscle strengthening exercises along with lumbar stabilization exercises should be effective for lower back pain patients in need of lumbar stabilization.

The Effects of Bridge Exercise on an Unstable Base of Support on Lumbar Stability and the Thickness of the Transversus Abdominis

[Purpose] We examined the effects of an abdominal drawing-in bridge exercise using a pressure biofeedback unit on different bases on the thickness of trunk and abdominal muscles, and lumbar stability. [Subjects] Thirty healthy young adults (2 males, 28 females) took part in this study. The subjects were randomly and equally assigned to a stable bridge exercise group and an unstable bridge exercise group. [Methods] The subjects performed bridge exercises using an abdominal drawing-in method on a stable base and on an unstable base, and changes in their abdominal muscle thickness and on the stable and on unstable bases lumbar stability were evaluated. [Results] After the intervention, the stable bridge exercise group showed a statistically significantly increased muscle thickness in the transversus abdominis, and the unstable bridge exercise group showed significantly increased muscle thicknesses of the transversus abdominis and internal obliques in static and dynamic lumbar stability. The unstable bridge exercise group showed significant increase after performing the exercise. [Conclusion] Lumbar stability exercise, with the compensation of the lumbar spine minimized, using an abdominal drawing-in method on an unstable support of base is effective and efforts to prevent the compensation may induce a greater exercise effect.

Effects of Push-ups Plus Sling Exercise on Muscle Activation and Cross-sectional Area of the Multifidus Muscle in Patients with Low Back Pain

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of lumbar stability exercises on chronic low back pain by using sling exercise and push-ups. [Subjects] Thirty adult subjects with chronic back pain participated, with 10 adults being assigned to each of 3 exercise groups: general physical therapy (PT), lumbar stability using sling exercises (Sling Ex), and sling exercise plus push-ups (Sling Ex+PU). Each group trained for 30 minutes 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity of the lumbar muscles, and cross-sectional area of the multifidus muscle on computed tomography (CT) were evaluated before and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of therapy. [Results] A significant decrease in ODI was seen in all therapy groups, and this change was greater in the Sling Ex and Sling Ex+PU groups than in the PT group. No changes in sEMG activity were noted in the PT group, whereas significant increases in the sEMG activities of all lumbar muscles were found in the other 2 groups. The increases in the sEMG activities of the rectus abdominis and internal and external oblique muscles of the abdomen were greater in the Sling Ex+PU group than in the other 2 groups. [Conclusion] These findings demonstrate that Sling Ex+PU, similar to normal lumbar stabilization exercise, is effective in activating and improving the function of the lumbar muscles. These results suggest that Sling Ex+PU has a positive impact on stabilization of the lumbar region.

The Effects of Sling Exercise Using Vibration on Trunk Muscle Activities of Healthy Adults

[Purpose] This study compared the effects of sling exercises with and without vibration on the muscular activity of the internal oblique (IO), rectus abdominis (RA), multifidus (MF), and erector spinae (ES) muscles of healthy adults. [Methods] Eleven healthy university students (11 men) with a mean age of 22.8 years were enrolled in this study. Subjects performed supine and prone bridge exercises with the knees flexed using a sling suspension system with and without vibration. The amplitudes of the EMG activities of selected trunk muscles (internal oblique, rectus abdominis, erector spinae, multifidus) were recorded. Two types of exercise conditions were executed in a random sequence for 5 seconds each. The signals detected from the middle 3 seconds (after discarding the signals of the first and the last one seconds) were used in the analysis. A 3-minute break was given after each exercise to minimize muscle fatigue. [Results] During the supine bridge exercise with vibration, the activities of the IO, RA, MF, and ES muscles were significantly higher than those of the supine bridge exercise without vibration. Additionally, during the prone bridge exercise with vibration, the activities of the IO, RA, MF, and ES were significantly higher than those of the prone bridge exercise without vibration. [Conclusion] Sling exercises with vibration improved the trunk muscle activities of healthy adults compared to the sling exercises without vibration. The information presented here is important for clinicians who use lumbar stabilization exercises as an evaluation tool or a rehabilitation exercise.

The Effect of Swiss Ball Stabilization Exercise on Pain and Bone Mineral Density of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to carry out a 16-week treatment of lumbar stabilization exercise with a ball targeting patients with chronic low back pain and investigate its effect on alleviation of low back pain and bone mineral density. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 36 patients who were diagnosed with chronic low back pain. They were divided into a conservative treatment group (CTG, n=12), floor exercise group (FEG, n=12), and ball exercise group (BEG, n=12). The degree of recovery from pain was looked into using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and DEXXUM T (OsteoSys, Seoul, Korea) which was used to observe the changes in bone mineral density. [Result] Although the VAS score was reduced in FEG and BEG with treatment, it was not reduced in CTG. Also, the bone mineral density was increased in FEG and BEG, while it was reduced in CTG. [Conclusion] Lumbar stabilization exercises using a ball are thought to be an effective interventional therapy for the alleviation of chronic low back pain and to increase bone mineral density of patients.

The Effect of the Neurac Sling Exercise on Postural Balance Adjustment and Muscular Response Patterns in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of the Neurac sling exercise on postural balance adjustment and muscular response patterns in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen CLBP patients participated in this study. They were randomly and equally assigned to group I, whose members received ordinary physical therapy (40 minutes per time, four times per week), and group II, whose members performed a lumbar stabilization exercise using the Neurac sling after ordinary physical therapy (40 minutes per time, four times per week). The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to evaluate exercise effects. BioRescue and electromyography were utilized for the measurement of changes in postural balance adjustment and muscular response patterns, respectively. [Results] Both groups saw their VAS and ODI decrease significantly. There were significant decreases in both groups in posturography as well, but group II recorded a greater decrease. There were significant increases in the flexion–relaxation ratio in both groups, and there were significant increases in the extension–flexion ratio in the left L1–2 of group I and in all elements of group II. [Conclusion] Lumbar stabilization exercise using the Neurac sling is effective in decreasing pain, improving damaged postural balance adjustment, and normalizing muscle response patterns of CLBP patients.