ABSTRACT
Exercise is a widely prescribed treatment for chronic low back pain. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks exercise on pain, disability and endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles in female with chronic idiopathic low back pain. This clinical trial study has been done on 12 patients who referred to the Arak city clinics. The function of trunk flexor-extensor muscles in cases was compared to function of 18 normal females. We use the Quebec pain questionnaire, Oswerstry disability questionnaire and Sorenson and Sit-Up tests. Exercise therapy was performed in three 45 minute's sessions per week. Each session was performed in 3 set. Exercises were repeated 8-12 point in each set. The data was analyzed using t-test. Endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles of patients was significantly lower than normal subjects [P<0.05]. Endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles of patients significantly improved after exercise therapy [P<0.05]. Low back pain of patients was decreased significantly after treatment [[P<0.05]. In addition, significant reduction of disability observed after exercise therapy [P<0.05]. Exercise therapy may increase endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles in women with chronic idiopathic low back pain. In addition, it can reduce law back pain and disability in this population