Investigation of the effectiveness of different exercise applications in women with chronic low back pain

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of segmental stabilization exercises with traditional exercise approaches in female patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: The subjects were 66 women with a age range of 18-60 years who were diagnosed with chronic low back pain. The subjects were allocated to three groups: segmental stabilization group (1), Williams flexion exercise group (2), and control group (3) which included patients following a home exercise program. Subjects were assessed at the beginning of the treatment and at the end of the treatment which lasted for eight weeks for pain, posture analysis, flexibility, functional level, psychological state, X-Ray findings of lumbosacral area, and quality of life related to health. Results: There were significant improvements in all three groups regarding pain, functional level, psychological state, flexibility, and quality of life related to health scores (p<0.05), no differences at the X-Ray findings of lumbar area (p>0.05). There was no difference for pain, flexibility, functional level, psychological state and quality of life related to health when the groups were compared (p>0.05). There was a significant difference for physical performance between group 1 and 2; trunk muscle strength between group 1 and 3 and group 2 and 3; for lumbosacral angle between group 1 and 2 (p<0.05). Conclusion: All three approaches of exercise have improved pain, flexibility, functional level, psychological state, and quality of life related to health.