Effect of Lumbar Extensor Strengthening in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of strengthening exercise for isolated lumbar extensor muscles on chronic low back pain patients. METHOD: 28 patients with chronic low back pain in back school program participated in this study. Initially, isometric lumbar extensor strength, 10 point of Visual analog scale (VAS) and questionnaires related to self-experienced symptoms and daily activity (ADL) were checked. Isometric lumbar extensor strength test and strengthening exercise were performed with MedXTM lumbar extensor machine, which was designed to stabilize the pelvis. After 8 weeks of training program, isometric lumbar extensor strength & other pain related variables were checked again in the same way. RESULTS: The results were as follows: 1) After 8 weeks of lumbar extensor strengthening program, isometric lumbar extensor strength was increased at all the measured points significantly (p<0.01). 2) VAS and ADL were improved from 6.7 to 3.7, and from 6.9 to 9.1 respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: 8 weeks of lumbar extensor strengthening program with pelvic stabilization was effective therapeutic tools for patients with chronic low back pain.