ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effects of spinal segmental stabilization exercises (SSE)at home on the quality of life for community dwelling elderly patients with lower back pain.Methods Eighty elderly patients with lower back pain were divided into two groups according to the random number method:the experimental group,which received intervention for three months,and the control group,which received no intervention.Evaluation was conducted using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL BREF).Results The ODI and WHOQOL-BREF scores for the control group were (0.32 ± 0.09) and (87.65 ± 8.63),respectively,before treatment,and (0.32± 0.07) and (87.98 ±8.15),respectively,three months after treatment; the scores for the experimental group were (0.32 ± 0.09) and (87.97 ± 8.71),respectively,before treatment,and (0.27 ± 0.09) and (92.30 ± 9.64),respectively,three months after treatment.No statistically significant difference was found in ODI and WHOQOL-BREF scores in the control group before and three months after treatment (t=0.311 and-0.672,respectively; P ＞0.05 for both),while statistically significant differences were detected before and three months after treatment (t =0.311 and-0.672,respectively; P＜ 0.05 for both).Differences in ODI and WHOQOL-BREF scores were also found between the experimental group and the control group three months after treatment (t=8.500 and-4.526,respectively; P＜0.05 for both).Conclusions Spinal segmental stabilization exercises can effectively relieve symptoms,improve body functions and uplift the quality of life for community-dwelling elderly patients with lower back pain.As a beneficial physical therapy option,SSE can be promoted in residential communities.