A Comparative Study to Find the Effect of Stabilization and Extension Exercises on Patients With Sub Acute Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the study is to find out the effectiveness of lumbar stabilization exercises and extension exercises in patients with sub acute non-specific low back pain. Materials and Methods: 30 patients with non specific sub acute low back pain and no clinical signs suggesting spinal instability were recruited (Stabilization training: n=15; Mc Kenzies back extension: n=15). Both groups received 6 weeks of exercises intervention. Outcome measure were pain (Visual analog scale), range of motion (inch tape), disability (Modified Oswestry disability questionnaire) which were measured before and after intervention.Results: Both groups showed improvement post intervention. Statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups for relief of pain (mean difference=0.64, p=0.003), increase in range of motion (mean difference= 0.32,p=0.005) and reduction in disability scores (mean difference=3.40, p=0.003) favoring the trunk stabilization exercises. Conclusion:The lumbar stabilization exercises programme has shown a significant improvement in outcome measures and reduced the disability to a greater extent with that of back extension exercise approach among subjects with sub acute non specific low back pain.

Effectiveness of Lumbar Stabilization Exercises in Non-Specific Low Back Pain Among Occupational Therapists

“…These consequences are severe and may lead to a negative economic impact, which includes an increased absenteeism from workplace and loss of productiveness 4 . Nevertheless, most episodes of mechanical LBP have a favorable prognosis but the recurrence of pain within a year is common 5 .…”

“…Numerous studies estimated that workers involved in healthcare comprises of physical and occupational therapists have predominant risk in developing LBP, either mechanical or specific due to prolonged sitting, standing, stooping and repetitive low and high risks lifting activities due to nature of their daily activities [1][2][3][4][5] . It was also concluded that occupational therapists have substantial degrees of musculoskeletal pain and work-related disorders due to the physical demand of their role in health care 6 .…”

“…It was also concluded that occupational therapists have substantial degrees of musculoskeletal pain and work-related disorders due to the physical demand of their role in health care 6 . However, limited researches investigated LBP among occupational therapists or its impact in the nature of job [5][6] . The studies also predicted the certain degree of risk incurred from the usage of computer among occupational therapists and other health care professionals who usually spent approximately 16-20 hours per week on the computer which has also become a reason of an increased risk of the disorder 7 .…”

“…At present practice, stabilizing exercises are incorporated in improving muscle strength, endurance and flexibility of core muscles. It has been documented that these exercises are aided to strengthen spinal segments, enhance the stability thereby prevents LBP1 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] . Moreover, it is prescribed that the screening of disorder and its episodes requires a detailed evaluation of patient's condition to integrate appropriate management strategy.…”