THE EFFECT OF LUMBAR STABILIZATION EXERCISES ON CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN PATIENTS

Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE) on pain, functional capacity, quality of life, and balance in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), and also to evaluate the effect on the cross-sectional area of the lumbar multifidus muscle. Material and Method Sixty-six patients with CLBP were enrolled, randomized, and divided into two groups. LSE, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and hot pack treatments were performed in Group 1 (n=28). In Group 2 (n=37), TENS and hot pack treatments were performed only. Pre and 8-week post-treatment assessments were made. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain. Modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were used to evaluate the functional disability. Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used to measure the quality of life. In the assessment of balance, a Tetrax® posturography device (Sunlight Medical Ltd, Israel) was used and fall index (FI) was calculated. The cross-sectional area of multifidus muscles was measured by ultrasonography. Results Significant improvements regarding the crosssectional area of multifidus musclesand subparameters of SF-36 named physical role, pain, mental health, and energy/vitality were determined in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p˂0.05). No significant difference was present between the groups regarding FI, VAS score, RMDQ, ODI, and balance. Conclusion Lumbar stabilization exercises in patients with chronic low back pain multifidus positively affects crosssectional area and quality of life. For our sample, the addition of lumbar stabilization exercises to the conventional physical therapy program does not provides an additional contribution in terms of balance, pain and disability.