Effect of dynamic muscular stabilization training over conventional exercise program on mechanical low back pain in office workers to improve the quality of life: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background: Most jobs nowadays are sedentary in nature. Due to incorrect posture, strain on the spine, pelvis, muscles, tendons, joints, bones, and discs can lead to fatigue and deformation. Low back pain (LBP) is the most common one among all pains. It has a profound impact on the quality of life (QoL). Core training has emerged as a major trend in LBP management and prevention. In Dynamic Muscular Stabilization Training (DMST), adequate dynamic control of lumbar spine forces is achieved, which reduces the repetitive injury to the structures of the spinal segments and related tissues. Thus, the aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of DMST on LBP in office workers. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of DMST in mechanical LBP to improve the QoL in office workers. Study Design: Prospective, experimental, randomized controlled, comparative study design was chosen for the research. Methods: One hundred and twenty-four office workers (male and female, aged 30-50 years) were screened on Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ). Fifty office workers were selected after screening, those who met the inclusion criteria (mechanical LBP and CMDQ for lower back more than 1.5). Office workers were equally divided into two groups, namely study group which received DMST and control group which received conventional exercises. Follow-up assessments were conducted at the baseline, 4th week, and 8th week on Oswestry LBP disability questionnaire (OLBPDQ) and World Health Organization QoL-BREF. Results: Both the study (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups equally improved with their respective intervention. In the study group, LBP reduced more (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.636-14.764) postintervention. Whereas, a significant improvement in physical (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 86.099-91.301) and psychological (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 60.725-69.475) domains of QoL was found in the study group compared to the control group. The correlation between OLBPDQ score and QoL domains was significant. Conclusion: DMST improves QoL by a significant reduction in pain in office workers with mechanical LBP.