Background. Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent and costly musculoskeletal problems. Impaired neuromuscular control and reduced use of the dorsal and abdominal muscles lead to instability in the spine and subsequent injury. Recently, vibration therapy has been proposed as an alternative method for LBP rehabilitation. Flexi-bar is a vibratory tool. When it is shaken, the core muscles are automatically activated to control the trunk against oscillatory forces created by the Flexi-bar. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Flexi-bar and stabilization exercises in LBP rehabilitation. Methods. Thirty-eight patients were randomly assigned into Flexi-bar (n = 19) and stabilization (n = 19) groups. The Flexi-bar group received general physiotherapy and Flexi-bar exercises and the stabilization group received general physiotherapy and stabilization exercises. Both groups received treatment for 3 sessions per week, a total of 10 sessions. The outcome measures were Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Sorensen test. Results. After the intervention, both groups showed a significant improvement in pain, functional disability, and back muscles endurance (p < 0.05) however, no significant differences were found between the groups after treatment, while only back muscles endurance was significantly improved in the Flexi-bar group over the stabilization group (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Neither of the two exercise interventions wasn't superior in reducing pain and functional disability. However, the Flexi-bar group showed significant improvement in back muscles endurance over the stabilization group. Flexi-bar is recommended as an effective, portable, and cheap tool in LBP rehabilitation. Study registration. This study was registered in the Clinical Trial Center with no: IRCT20191015045122N1.
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