Segmental stabilization and muscular strengthening in chronic low back pain - a comparative study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To contrast the efficacy of two exercise programs, segmental stabilization and strengthening of abdominal and trunk muscles, on pain, functional disability, and activation of the transversus abdominis muscle (TrA), in individuals with chronic low back pain.DESIGN:Our sample consisted of 30 individuals, randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: segmental stabilization, where exercises focused on the TrA and lumbar multifidus muscles, and superficial strengthening, where exercises focused on the rectus abdominis, abdominus obliquus internus, abdominus obliquus externus, and erector spinae. Groups were examined to discovere whether the exercises created contrasts regarding pain (visual analogical scale and McGill pain questionnaire), functional disability (Oswestry disability questionnaire), and TrA muscle activation capacity (Pressure Biofeedback Unit = PBU). The program lasted 6 weeks, and 30‐minute sessions occurred twice a week. Analysis of variance was used for inter‐ and intra‐group comparisons. The significance level was established at 5%.RESULTS:As compared to baseline, both treatments were effective in relieving pain and improving disability (p<0.001). Those in the segmental stabilization group had significant gains for all variables when compared to the ST group (p<0.001), including TrA activation, where relative gains were 48.3% and ‐5.1%, respectively.CONCLUSION:Both techniques lessened pain and reduced disability. Segmental stabilization is superior to superficial strengthening for all variables. Superficial strengthening does not improve TrA activation capacity.

Chronic Low Back Pain; Effects of the Lumbar Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Disability in the Management

“…Superficial strengthening does not improve TrA activation capacity. 8 The current study results were analyzed after 8 treatment sessions given over 2 weeks. A metaanalysis was conducted to review core stability exercises against general exercises for managing chronic low back pain.…”

“…Segmental stabilization was rated superior to superficial strengthening for all variables as superficial strengthening did not improve TrA activation capacity. 8 Another study in year 2004 on the effect of lumbar stabilization exercise training on functional ability and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain suggested that a program of lumbar stabilization is found effective in improving quality of life and functional outcome in patients with CLBP. Railway General Hospital.…”

The Effect of an Enhanced Rehabilitation Exercise Treatment of Non-Specific Low Back Pain- A suggestion for Rehabilitation Specialists

“…(CLBP) patients limit their trunk development to diminish the pain in the lumbosacral range; be that as it may, this exclusive further lessens centre quality and increments lumbar precariousness, bringing about (LBP) [84]. Activities to enact the profound abdominous including the superficial muscles, transversus abdominal muscle and multifidus muscle are critical for (CLBP) patients [85]. The profound muscular strength is basic for supporting the lumbar spine and fortifying these muscles can lessen back pain [86].…”

Therapeutic Exercises in the Management of Non-Specific Low Back Pain

“…Also balance training for better trunk and abdominal control, stabilization exercise and endurance exercises (Biering Sorenson, 1984;Foster and Fulton, 1991;. In a study by Franca et al (2010) segmental stabilization and strengthening exercises effectively reduced pain and functional disability in individuals with chronic low back pain. Additionally segmental stabilization further improved transversus abdominus muscle activation capacity.…”

“…Hides et al (2001) concluded that biomechanical research may explain why it is important to focus on particular muscles for their stabilizing functions in rehabilitation (Hides et al 2001). Franca et al (2010) reported superiority of segmental stabilization over strengthening exercise in combating muscle deactivation subsequent to episode of LBP. Muscle deactivation due to an episode of LBP has been implicated for recurrence of LBP.…”