Scapular and Pelvic PNF Pattern for Female Physical Education Students with Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Physical education students are at greater risk of low back pain due to physical activity that put a lot of stress on the lumbar spine, such as gymnastics, wrestling, rowing, diving, and football. PNF training is one of the interventions that are less investigated in the management of LBP. 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 female physical education students with low back pain. Subjects & Methods: A total of 40 female undergraduates with low back pain who meets the inclusion and exclusion criteria are recruited for the study. Methodology: 20 were allotted to Experimental group who received scapular and pelvic pattern of PNF along with conventional strengthening exercises and another 20 was allotted to Control group who received conventional strengthening exercises alone. Outcome Measures: Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Modified-Modified Schober Scale (MMST) and Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODI). Results: results showed that both the groups improved almost equally in lumbar flexion and extension ranges but the improvement was considerably significant on NPRS and Modified Oswestry Disability Index was found to be significantly effective in experimental group which was p<0.001. 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.