Effectiveness of core stabilization exercises versus Mckenzie's exercises in chronic lower back pain

ABSTRACT

To determine the effectiveness of core stabilization and McKenzie's exercises on intensity of pain, disability and lumbo-pelvic stability was compared in non-specific chronic low back pain [CLBP] patients. Randomized controlled trial study. This study was conducted at Departments of Physical Therapy, Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi and Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences, Nawabshah during 2012-13. Thirty patients with non-specific CLBP were enrolled through convenience sampling and were randomly assigned core stabilization and McKenzie exercises. Intensity of pain, disability, and lumbo-pelvic stability were evaluated by Visual Analouge Scale, The Oswestry disability Questionnaire, and Stibilizer Pressure Biofeedback Unit, respectively. Eighteen sessions were done for both groups. T-tests and ANCOVA test were used for statistical analysis [p<0.05]. Although the score of pain decreased in both groups [p<0.05], the decrease of intensity of pain was more than in Core Stabilization Exercises Group [p<0.05]. The score of disability questionnaire decreased in stabilization exercise group [p<0.05]. During Knee Lift Abdominal and Bent Knee Fall Out maneouvres, pressure of biofeedback unit did not significantly differ before and after interventions, in both groups [p>0.05]. The stabilization exercises can reduce pain and disability in nonspecific CLBP patients