Core Stabilization Exercise and Movement System Impairment Approaches for Patients with Movement Control Impairment: A Review Article

Treatment-based and movement system impairment-based classifications have been widely used to identify movement control impairment (MCI) in patients with non-specific low back pain. Clinical observation of aberrant movement patterns is an essential aspect of the examination to identify patients with MCI. The treatment of these patients is a therapeutic exercise that involves static and dynamic stability of core stabilizing muscles. Although exercise prescriptions for these patients are similar, intervention may vary based upon its concept. Interventions include the core stabilization exercise (CSE) approach based upon stabilizing system model, and movement system impairment (MSI) approach based upon kinesiopathologic model. CSE focuses on neuromuscular function to compensate for impairment of intervertebral disc and joints, whereas MSI emphasizes movement correction and enhances movement efficiency to prevent injury and impairment. Both approaches seem equally effective in reducing pain and disability for the MCI group. Therefore, clinicians can utilize either approach for rehabilitating patients with MCI. However, if differences in effectiveness are found when utilizing these different approaches we should explore if the MCI classification needs further definition. In addition, further study needs to investigate the underlying mechanisms in patients with MCI, and the ability of each approach to change those mechanisms.