Evaluation of stabilizing exercise of the lumbar spine in the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a specific stabilizing exercise of the lumbar spine in the treatment of patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. METHODS: A total of 91 patients were randomly allocated into an exercise group (n=46) and a control group (n=45). Patients in the exercise group had undergone a specific exercise program with activation of the deep lumbar muscles and dynamic strengthening of the lumbar muscles for 6 weeks. Patients in the control group were given thermal magnetic therapy for 6 weeks. Both groups were given back care advice.Subjective pain and disability were measured at baseline,6-week,and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: At 6-week,the exercise group had a significantly better improvement in pain (P0.05) and disability score (P0.05). Significant differences between the two groups maintained at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: The specific stabilizing exercise of the lumbar spine is effective in reducing pain and improving functional status in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.