Effect of lumbar stabilization and dynamic lumbar strengthening exercises in patients with chronic low back pain

Hye Jin Moon, Kyoung Hyo Choi, Dae Ha Kim, Ha Jeong Kim, Young Ki Cho, Kwang Hee Lee, Jung Hoo Kim, Yoo Jung Choi, Hye Jin Moon, Kyoung Hyo Choi, Dae Ha Kim, Ha Jeong Kim, Young Ki Cho, Kwang Hee Lee, Jung Hoo Kim, Yoo Jung Choi

Abstract

Objective: To 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).

Methods: Patients 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.

Results: Compared 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.

Conclusion: Both 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.

Keywords: Abdominal muscle; Exercise; Low back pain; Muscle strength; Rehabilitation.

Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Lumbar stabilization exercises.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Lumbar dynamic strengthening exercises.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The percentage change in maximal isometric muscle strength at each angle (Δ%) in the lumbar dynamic strengthening exercise and the stabilization exercise groups. The lumbar stabilization exercise group showed significantly greater improvement at 0° and 12° than the dynamic strengthening group. *Significant difference between lumbar stabilization exercise and dynamic strengthening exercise group.

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