Core Stabilization Exercise Improves Pain Intensity, Functional Disability and Trunk Muscle Activity of Patients with Clinical Lumbar Instability:a Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Abstract. [Purpose] To determine the therapeutic effects of core stabilization exercise in the treatment of patients with clinical lumbar instability.[Methods] Twenty subjects with clinical lumbar instability were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group. The treatment group received 10 weeks of core stabilization exercise (CSE), while the control group (CG) received 10 weeks of hydrocollator therapy and trunk stretching exercises. Pain intensity of the instability catch sign (ICS), functional disability, and trunk muscle activation patterns were measured before and at one day after 10 weeks of intervention.[Results] Both groups showed a significant reduction in pain intensity of ICS and reduced functional disability after 10 weeks of intervention; however, a significant improvement in the ratio activation of the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscle relative to the rectus abdominis was only seen in CSE. In the comparison between groups, CSE showed significantly greater improvement in reduction of pain intensity during the ICS, significantly reduced functional disability, and significantly increased deep abdominal muscle activation after 10 weeks of intervention compared to CG.[Conclusion] The 10 weeks of CSE provided better therapeutic effects for pain intensity of ICS, reduced functional disability, and facilitated deep abdominal muscle activation of patients with clinical lumbar instability.

Effect of 10-week core stabilization exercise training and detraining on pain-related outcomes in patients with clinical lumbar instability

“…After light skin abrasion and alcohol cleansing, four pairs of electrodes were placed over the right side of four trunk muscles: TrA and IO, RA, LM, and iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis (ICLT). Details of electrode placement were consistent with a previous study 10. The ground electrodes of the right RA and ICLT muscles were placed over the ribcage, and the other two ground electrodes of the right TrA and IO and LM muscles were placed over the right iliac crest.…”

“…Details of this exercise have been described in our previous study (see supplementary material) 10. The 10-week exercise program was divided into three phases.…”

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation associated with core stability exercises in nonspecific postural low back pain: a randomized clinical trial

“…The results of this study indicated a reduction in pain and disability in both treatment groups (20). Nonetheless, the ratio activation of transversus abdominis and internal oblique relative to rectus abdominis was improved in subjects who were treated with CORE stability exercises (20). These exercises increase the activation capacity of segmental muscles and decrease pain in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain (20).…”

“…These findings corroborate with our study, in which this variable decreased from 6.60 ± 1.75 to 2.60 ± 2.32 points six months after intervention. A randomized controlled trial conducted by Areeudomwong et al (20) evaluated the effect of a 10-week CORE exercise program on pain, disability, and activation of trunk muscles in individuals with clinical instability of the lumbar spine. The results of this study indicated a reduction in pain and disability in both treatment groups (20).…”

“…A randomized controlled trial conducted by Areeudomwong et al (20) evaluated the effect of a 10-week CORE exercise program on pain, disability, and activation of trunk muscles in individuals with clinical instability of the lumbar spine. The results of this study indicated a reduction in pain and disability in both treatment groups (20). Nonetheless, the ratio activation of transversus abdominis and internal oblique relative to rectus abdominis was improved in subjects who were treated with CORE stability exercises (20).…”