Clinical Outcomes in Neurogenic Claudication Using a Multimodal Program for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Study of 49 Patients With Prospective Long-term Follow-up

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of a 6-week multimodal program (manual therapy, exercises, and self-management strategies) in patients with neurogenic claudication due to degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.MethodsThis study evaluated 49 patients with neurogenic claudication who completed a 6-week multimodal program between 2010 and 2013. Outcomes included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), and Numeric Rating Scale. Mean differences, paired t tests, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to compare outcomes at baseline, 6 weeks, and long-term follow-up.ResultsTwenty-three patients completed the follow-up questionnaire (47% response rate). Median follow-up was 3.6 years (interquartile range: 3.3-4.6). The mean age was 73.5 years (standard deviation: 8.5). Between baseline and long-term follow-up, there were statistically significant and clinically important improvements in disability (ODI: -23.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): -15.7 to -31.6]; ODI walking item: -1.96 [95% CI: -1.34 to -2.57]; ZCQ function scale: -0.42 [95% CI: -0.10 to -0.70]) and pain (leg pain: -3.53 [95% CI: -1.80 to -5.20]; ZCQ symptom scale: -0.71 [95% CI: -0.30 to -1.10]), but not low back pain (Numeric Rating Scale: -1.03 [95% CI: -1.00 to 3.10]). There was no statistically significant change in any outcomes between 6 weeks and long-term follow-up.ConclusionIn a sample of patients with neurogenic claudication participating in a 6-week multimodal program, clinically important improvements in leg pain and disability, but not low back pain while walking, were maintained in the long term (median duration of 3.6 years) when compared to baseline.     

悬吊运动训练对慢性非特异性腰痛的疗效观察

目的观察悬吊运动训练技术治疗社区慢性非特异性腰痛的效果。方法 35例成人慢性非特异性腰痛患者分成治疗组(n=18)和对照组(n=17),分别采用电疗+悬吊运动训练和单纯电疗治疗4周。使用疼痛数字评分(NRS)、Oswestry腰痛功能障碍问卷,分别在治疗开始前、治疗4周后进行评估。结果治疗后与对照组比较,治疗组NRS、Oswestry腰痛功能障碍问卷评分改善(P<0.05)。结论悬吊运动训练可以有效减轻社区慢性非特异性腰痛患者的疼痛及功能障碍。     

Relationships among lumbar hip motion angle,perceptual awareness,and low back pain in young adults

[Purpose] We aimed to examine the relationships among low back pain, lumbar-hip motion angle, and lumbar perceptual awareness in young adults to improve the treatment of low back pain. [Participants and Methods] Data were collected from 36 university students with low back pain. The items included for evaluation were the low back pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale), disability due to low back pain (Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index), lumbar spine and hip motion angles in test movements, and perceptual awareness (Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire). The test movements employed included trunk forward bending, trunk back bending, and prone hip extension. The motion angles of the lumbar spine and hip joints were measured using a wearable sensor. [Results] The Numeric Rating Scale was not correlated with the lumbar hip motion angle and perceptual awareness. The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index was correlated with lumbar hip motion angles, at the beginning of trunk forward bending and at maximum trunk backward bending, and with perceptual awareness. [Conclusion] There are relationships among disabilities due to low back pain, lumbar hip motion angles, and perceptual awareness in each test movement; however, they vary depending on the type and angle of the test movement conducted.     

Lumbar extension exercises in conjunction with mechanical traction for the management of a patient with a lumbar herniated disc

ABSTRACT

Low back pain resulting from lumbar disc herniation is a common reason for referral for physical therapy. There is no evidence to support the management of lumbar disc herniation and derangement using mechanical traction combined with lumbar extension exercises. Therefore, the purpose of this case report was to describe and discuss the use of mechanical traction in conjunction with lumbar extension exercises for a patient with a lumbar herniated disc. The patient was a 49-year-old male referred to physical therapy with a medical diagnosis of a lumbar herniated disc at L5-S1 with compression of the L5 nerve root confirmed by MRI. The patient's chief complaint was pain over the left lumbosacral and central lumbar region with radiating pain into the left buttock accompanied by numbness and tingling in the left lower leg and foot. The patient was seen for a total of 14 visits. The first 5 days (2 weeks) of therapy consisted of lumbar extension exercises. For the following nine visits (over a 3-week period), mechanical traction was added as an adjunct to the extension exercises. Outcome measures included the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, Back Pain Function Scale (BPFS), and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Results from initial evaluation to discharge (Oswestry: 36% to 0%; BPFS: 33/60 to 57/60; NPRS: 7/10 to 0/10) demonstrated that the patient no longer experienced low back pain and improved in terms of functional status and pain-related disability. The patient no longer complained of numbness and tingling in the left lower extremity and the goals for the patient had been attained. The data from this case report suggests lumbar extension exercises in conjunction with mechanical traction facilitated the patient's improvement in pain and return to prior level of function.     

Psychometric properties of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire compared to the Oswestry Disability Index: a systematic review

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the psychometric properties of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Index used to measure physical ability in people with low back pain.

Methods: A literature search of computerised databases from 1980 through June 2009 was performed using search terms: clinical assessment tools, Roland-Morris, questionnaires, back, spine, back pain, Oswestry Disability Index, psychometrics, reliability, validity, specificity and sensitivity. Twenty-three articles were reviewed using an adult population over 18 years old with acute, sub-acute and chronic low back pain.

Results: The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Index demonstrate good reliability in test–retest performance clinically at initial evaluation and up to 6 weeks following interventions. Two studies described the construct validity of the two measures as highly correlated with each other. Overall, it appears that both questionnaires have similar responsiveness rates of 0·76–0·78 but two studies report a responsiveness rate of 0·94 for the Oswestry.

Discussion/Conclusion: The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire is most sensitive for patients with mild to moderate disability while the Oswestry Disability Index is most effective for persistent severe disability. Clinically, both questionnaires should be considered depending on the patient's objective presentation of disability. The clinician needs to determine either 'mild to moderate' or 'severe persistent disability' after a thorough history and physical exam is completed so that the appropriate questionnaire can be administered. This helps support the clinician's assessment of function, determine a patient's level of disability and provide outcome information.     

Effects of core stabilization exercises on thickness and activity of trunk and hip muscles in subjects with nonspecific chronic low back pain

BackgroundChanges in trunk and hip muscles are believed to be important in subjects with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP), but little is known about specific changes, or how they might be affected by core stabilization exercises. The aim of this study was to compare six key muscles before and after these exercises.MethodsThirty two NSCLBP patients were assigned randomly into two groups: exercise (n = 17) and control (n = 15). On 5 days per week for 4 weeks, the Exercise group performed 16 core stabilization exercises and the Control group received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and a ‘hot-pack’. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to assess maximum bilateral activity of transversus abdominis (TrA), multifidus (MF) and gluteus maximus (Gmax) muscles. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure the rest and contracted thickness of these muscles. Pain and disability were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index.ResultsWhen left and right-side muscle data were combined, two-way ANOVAs showed a nonsignificant interaction effect for all dependent variables (P > 0.05), significant time effects on resting muscle thickness for TrA (P = 0.01), MF (P = 0.041) and Gmax (P = 0.003), EMG signals of TrA (P = 0.038), pain and disability (P = 0.000). There were a significant group effect on contracted thickness for TrA (P = 0.032) and Gmax (P = 0.026) and disability (P = 0.017).ConclusionsCore stabilization exercises increased contracted thickness of TrA and Gmax muscles and decreased disability in subjects with NSCLBP.     

216例慢性非特异性腰痛患者的康复疗效观察

目的观察不同治疗手段对慢性非特异性腰痛的临床疗效。方法对246例慢性非特异性腰痛患者随机分成对照组(n=82)、家庭指导组(n=82)和强化治疗组(n=82)进行治疗,使用数字类比疼痛评分法、改良Oswestry腰痛调查表,分别在治疗开始前、治疗后1个月、3个月和6个月进行评估。结果家庭指导组和强化治疗组均能减轻腰痛,且强化治疗组疗效更好。结论以主动运动训练为核心的现代康复治疗技术可有效改善慢性非特异性腰痛患者的症状。     

Effectiveness of traditional Thai self-massage combined with stretching exercises for the treatment of patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of traditional Thai self-massage combined with home stretching exercises (TSMSE) on pain, back flexibility and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP).MethodsTwenty-two patients from 18 to 60 years old were randomly allocated to receive 30-min sessions of TSMSE or 12 sessions of self-care education (SCE) over a period of 4 weeks. The pain intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS), back flexibility using a sit-and-reach test, and disability using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability questionnaire, were measured before and after the treatment period.ResultsThe results indicated that the TSMSE group showed significant improvements in all of the parameters after the 4-week treatment period (p < 0.05). However, the SCE group only showed significant improvement in the pain intensity (p < 0.05). Moreover, the TSMSE group demonstrated a greater improvement in back flexibility than the SCE group at the end of the treatment period (p < 0.05).ConclusionThese results suggest that the TSMSE treatment was an effective intervention for decreasing pain and disability and increasing back flexibility among the NSLBP patients.     

悬吊运动训练对成人特发性脊柱侧弯慢性腰背疼痛的康复效果

目的观察悬吊运动训练治疗成人特发性脊柱侧弯慢性腰背疼痛的效果。方法将38例成人特发性脊柱侧弯患者采用年龄、性别匹配方法分成治疗组和对照组,治疗4周,使用疼痛数字评分(NRS)、Oswestry腰痛调查表,分别在治疗开始前、治疗4周后进行评估。结果治疗组能明显减轻腰痛,效果明显优于对照组(P<0.01)。结论悬吊运动训练技术可以有效减轻成人特发性脊柱侧弯患者慢性腰背疼痛。     

Effects of lumbar stabilization exercise on functional disability and lumbar lordosis angle in patients with chronic low back pain

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises on the functional disability and lumbar lordosis angles in patients with chronic low back pain. [Subjects] The subjects were 30 patients with chronic low back pain divided into a lumbar stabilization exercise group (n = 15) and a conservative treatment group (n = 15). [Methods] The lumbar stabilization exercise and conservative treatment groups performed an exercise program and conservative physical treatment, respectively. Both programs were performed 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The degree of functional disability was assessed by the Oswestry disability index, and lumbar lordosis angles were measured by plain radiography. [Results] The Oswestry disability index decreased significantly in the both groups; however, it was significantly lower in the lumbar stabilization exercise group. The lumbar lordosis angle increased significantly in the lumbar stabilization exercise group after treatment and was also significantly greater than that in the conservative treatment group. [Conclusion] Lumbar stabilization exercise is more effective than conservative treatment for improving functional disability and lumbar lordosis angles.Key words: Lumbar stabilization exercise, Lumbar lordosis angle, Chronic low back pain     

Development and proof of concept of a blended physiotherapeutic intervention for patients with non-specific low back pain

ObjectiveTo develop a blended physiotherapeutic intervention for patients with non-specific low back pain (e-Exercise LBP) and evaluate its proof of concept.DesignFocus groups with patients, physiotherapists, and eHealth and LBP experts were conducted to investigate values according to the development of e-Exercise LBP. Proof of concept was evaluated in a multicentre study.SettingDutch primary care physiotherapy practices (n = 21 therapists).ParticipantsAdults with non-specific LBP (n = 41).Interventione-Exercise LBP was developed based on clinical LBP guidelines and the focus groups, using the Center for eHealth Research Roadmap. Face-to-face physiotherapy sessions were integrated with a web application consisting of 12 information lessons, video-supported exercises and a physical activity module with the option to gradually increase individuals’ level of physical activity. The intervention could be tailored to patients’ risk of persistent disabling LBP, according to the STarT Back Screening Tool.Main outcome measuresFunctional disability, pain, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and fear-avoidance beliefs, measured at baseline and 12 weeks.ResultsAfter 12 weeks, improvements were found in functional disability [Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale: mean difference (MD) ?12.2/100; 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.3 to 16.1], pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale: MD ?2.8/10; 95% CI 2.1 to 3.6), subjective physical activity (Short Questionnaire to Assess Health Enhancing Physical Activity: MD 11.5 minutes/day; 95% CI ?47.8 to 24.8) and objective sedentary behaviour (ActiGraph: MD ?23.0 minutes/day; 95% CI ?8.9 to 55.0). Small improvements were found in objective physical activity and fear-avoidance beliefs. The option to gradually increase physical activity was activated for six patients (15%). On average, patients received seven face-to-face sessions alongside the web application.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide the first indication of the effectiveness of e-Exercise LBP, particularly for disability and pain among patients with LBP. Future studies will focus on end-user experiences and (cost-) effectiveness.     

Effects of eight-week water versus mat pilates on female patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: Double-blind randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of water and mat Pilates on pain, disability, and static and dynamic balance in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP).MethodsTwenty-four participants with CNLBP were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 12) that perform water and mat Pilates exercises for 24 sessions (8-week, 3 sessions per week). The value for pain, disability and balance were measured before and after the exercise program using the Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire and Biodex Balance System respectively.ResultsA paired t-test revealed significant differences in pain severity and disability in both groups after they performed the Pilates program (P ≤ 0.05). Mat Pilates improved static balance as the participants performed the tests with their eyes open and closed (P = 0.02, P = 0.04). Its effect on dynamic balance, however, was not statistically significant (ES = 0/33, P = 0/34). The same Pilates program performed in water did not show significant effects on balance despite a decline in body sway (P˃0/05). There was no difference between the two groups (P˃0/05).ConclusionThe results suggest that both mat and water Pilates exercise program have beneficial effects on the treatment of LBP. Nevertheless, the low impact of the mat and water Pilates program on balance improvement suggests more investigation on Pilates training or complementary exercises to improve balance in patients with CNLBP.     

Assessment of the Reliability of the Leg Lateral Reach Test to Measure Thoraco-Lumbo-Pelvic Rotation in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the intrarater and interrater reliability of the Leg Lateral Reach Test (LLRT) to measure the mobility of the thoraco-lumbo-pelvic segment in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back and the correlations among pain intensity, kinesiophobia, and LLRT scores.MethodsThirty participants with nonspecific chronic low back pain were selected. The main variables were LLRT, pain intensity (measured with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia). The reliability of the LLRT was evaluated by means of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change.ResultsMost participants were women (83.3%), young adults (mean = 30.86; standard deviation = 8.56), with overweight and nonspecific chronic low back for more than 59 months of duration. In the intrarater analysis, we observed reliability values ranging from substantial to excellent (ICC ≥ .889; SEM ≤ 7.97%). In the interrater analysis, we observed excellent reliability (ICC ≥ .947; SEM ≤ 5.62%). There was a weak and positive correlation between pain and LLRT, and no correlation between kinesiophobia and LLRT.ConclusionLLRT is a reliable test to measure thoraco-lumbo-pelvic rotation in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain.     

Osteopathic manipulative treatment combined with exercise improves pain and disability in individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial

PurposeTo determine effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment combined with stretching and strengthening exercises in the cervical region on pain and disability in individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain.Methods90 adults with non-specific chronic neck pain were randomized to either exercises group (EG, n = 45) or osteopathic manipulative treatment associated with exercises group (OMT/EG, n = 45). The primary outcomes were obtained by the use of Numeric Pain-Rating Scale (NPRS), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Secondary outcomes included range of motion (ROM) for cervical spine rotation, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire Work/Physical Activity (FABQ-W/PA) and Pain-self efficacy at two different moments: baseline and 4 weeks after the first treatment. Techniques and dosages of OMT were selected pragmatically by a registered osteopath. Generalized Estimating Equations model (GEE), complemented by the Least Significant Difference (LSD) and the intention-to-treat analysis, was used to assess the clinical outcomes.ResultsAnalysis with GEE indicated that OMT/EG reduced pain and disability more than the EG alone after 4 weeks of treatment with statistically significant difference (p < 0,05), as well as cervical active rotation was significantly improved (p = 0.03). There were no between-group differences observed in Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) measure, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and Pain-self efficacy.ConclusionThe association between OMT and exercises reduces pain and improves functional disability more than only exercise for individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain.     

Hebrew adaptation and validation of a clinical-quantitative method of low back pain evaluation (the BADIX)

BackgroundThe BackAche Disability Index (BADIX) is a 2-section test: (a) the BackAche Index encompassing 5 active back movements, evaluated on a 4-point Likert-type rating scale; (b) the morning Back Stiffness Score, choosing the most fitting statement out of 6, upon awakening.ObjectiveTo perform a cross-cultural adaptation and evaluate the reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of BADIX.MethodsTranslation/retranslation of the English version of the BADIX was conducted, and the cross-cultural adaptation process performed. The Hebrew version BADIX was evaluated at two meetings, two weeks apart, in 51 female nurses (40 reported back pain and 11 reported no back problems). The Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ) and The Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (MODQ) were also evaluated.ResultsThe mean age of the subjects was 45.34±11.11 years. Internal consistency calculated by the Cronbach's α coefficient was very high (α>0.9). A high degree of test-retest reliability was found, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 95% CI) of 0.933 (0.839 - 0.973), and r=0.908. Concurrent validity of the BADIX domains with the RMQ and MODQ was found statistically significant and high (ρ=0.688, RMQ, and ρ=0.674, MODQ).ConclusionsThe adapted and modified Hebrew version of the BADIX is reliable and measures the pain and mobility outcome of physical impairment and morning backache stiffness. It can be employed, in addition to self-reported outcome measures, by clinicians and researchers in quantitatively evaluating the clinical status and progression of patients with lower back pain in Hebrew-speaking populations.     

Immediate effect of pain neuroscience education for recent onset low back pain: an exploratory single arm trial

Study Design: A prospective, single-arm, pre-postintervention study.

Objective: To determine the preliminary usefulness of providing pain neuroscience education (PNE) on improving pain and movement in patients presenting with non-chronic mechanical low back pain (LBP).

Background: PNE has been shown to be an effective intervention for the treatment of chronic LBP but its usefulness in patients with non-chronic LBP has not been examined.

Methods: A single group cohort pilot study was conducted. Eighty consecutive patients with LBP < 3 months completed a demographics questionnaire, leg and LBP rating (Numeric Pain Rating Scale – NPRS), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), fear-avoidance (Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire), pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), central sensitization (Central Sensitization Inventory), pain knowledge (Revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire), risk assessment (Keele STarT Back Screening Tool), active trunk flexion and straight leg raise (SLR). Patients received a 15-minute verbal, one-on-one PNE session, followed by repeat measurement of LBP and leg pain (NPRS), trunk flexion and SLR.

Results: Immediately after intervention, LBP and leg pain improved significantly (p < 0.001), but the mean change did not exceed minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 2.0. Active trunk flexion significantly improved (p < 0.001), with the mean improvement (4.7 cm) exceeding minimal detectible change (MDC). SLR improved significantly (p = 0.002), but mean change did not exceed MDC.

Conclusions: PNE may be an interesting option in the treatment of patients with non-chronic mechanical LBP. The present pilot study provides the rationale for studying larger groups of patients in controlled studies over longer periods of time.     

Effects of two 4-week proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation programs on muscle endurance, flexibility, and functional performance in women with chronic low back pain

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Improving functional performance in patients with chronic low back pain is of primary importance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 2 proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) programs on trunk muscle endurance, flexibility, and functional performance in subjects with chronic low back pain (CLBP). SUBJECTS: Eighty-six women (40.2+/-11.9 [mean+/-SD] years of age) who had complaints of CLBP were randomly assigned to 3 groups: rhythmic stabilization training, combination of isotonic exercises, and control. METHODS: Subjects trained with each program for 4 weeks with the aim of improving trunk stability and strength. Static and dynamic trunk muscle endurance and lumbar mobility were measured before, at the end of, and 4 and 8 weeks after training. Disability and back pain intensity also were measured with the Oswestry Index. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that both training groups demonstrated significant improvements in lumbar mobility (8.6%-24.1%), static and dynamic muscle endurance (23.6%-81%), and Oswestry Index (29.3%-31.8%) measurements. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Static and dynamic PNF programs may be appropriate for improving short-term trunk muscle endurance and trunk mobility in people with CLBP.     

Activation of lumbar paraspinal and abdominal muscles during therapeutic exercises in chronic low back pain patients

Arokoski JP, Valta T, Kankaanpää M, Airaksinen O. Activation of lumbar paraspinal and abdominal muscles during therapeutic exercises in chronic low back pain patients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:823-32.

Objectives

To assess the activities of paraspinal and abdominal muscles during therapeutic exercises for the treatment of patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP), and to study the effects of active physical rehabilitation on these activities.

Design

A cross-sectional study comparing muscle activities during 18 stabilization exercises, and a prospective follow-up of patients with CLBP during rehabilitation.

Setting

Rehabilitation clinic in university hospital in Finland.

Participants

Nine volunteers (5 men, 4 women) aged 27 to 58 years.

Intervention

Three months of active outpatient rehabilitation (4 to 6 times in a rehabilitation clinic, supplemented with self-motivated exercise at home) supervised by a physiotherapist.

Main outcome measures

Surface electromyography was recorded bilaterally from L5 level paraspinal, rectus abdominis, and obliquus externus abdominis muscles. The recorded signal was averaged and normalized to the maximal electromyographic amplitude obtained during the maximal voluntary contraction. The measurements were taken before and after the exercise treatment period.

Results

CLBP patients showed variable trunk muscle activity patterns during the different therapeutic exercises, similar to those that we reported earlier in healthy subjects. The maximal trunk isometric extension (pre, 147.3±75.9Nm; post, 170.1±72.3Nm) and flexion (pre, 72.0±37.9Nm; post, 93.5±42.5Nm) torques did not show a significant changes during the exercise period. However, trunk rotation-flexion torque (pre, 52.9±26.5Nm; post, 82.4±65.8Nm) increased significantly (35.8%) after the exercise period (P<.05). The corresponding maximal electromyographic amplitudes of back and abdominal muscles remained unchanged. Disability, as assessed by visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index, did not change.

Conclusions

The CLBP patients performed therapeutic exercises with similar abdominal and back extensor muscle activities in the same way as the healthy subjects in our earlier studies. In this study, active physical rehabilitation had no effect on the abdominal and back muscle activities or on pain and functional disability indices.     

Footwear-Generated Dynamic Biomechanical Manipulation and Perturbation Training for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Background

Home-based therapy optimizing biomechanics and neuromuscular control is increasingly recognized as a treatment option for chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). However, its impact on pain, function, and gait is limited among patients in a metropolitan area.

The Effects on the Pain Index and Lumbar Flexibility of Obese Patients with Low Back Pain after PNF Scapular and PNF Pelvic Patterns

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine whether exercises using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) scapular and pelvic patterns might decrease the pain index and increase the lumbar flexibility of obese patients with low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty obese patients with low back pain were randomly assigned to an experimetal group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). The exercise program of the experimental group consisted of scapular patterns (anterior depression − posterior elevation) and pelvic patterns (anterior elevation − posterior depression). The control group performed neutral back muscle strengthening exercises. Over the course of four weeks, the groups participated in PNF or performed strengthening exercises for 30 minutes, three times per week. Subjects were assessed a pre-test and post-test using measurements of pain and lumbar flexibility. [Results] The results show that lumbar flexion and lumbar extension significantly improved in the experimental group, had significant improvement and that the Oswestry Disability index (ODI) significantly decreased. However, there were no significant changes in the control group. The experimental group also showed significant differences in the pain index and lumbar flexibility from the control group. [Conclusion] This study showed that PNF can be used to improve pain index rating and lumbar flexibility. The findings indicate that the experimental group experienced greater improvement than the control group by participating in the PNF lumbar stabilization program.Key words: Obesity, Low back pain, Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation