The Effects of an 8-Week Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercise on Pain, Functional Disability, and Quality of Life in Individuals with Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Two-Month Follow-up Study

Abstract

Background Low back pain is a common disorder and is considered one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, resulting in adverse health, social, and economic outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effects and durability of 8-week Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises on pain, functional disability, and quality of life in individuals aged 30 to 50 years with non-specific chronic low back pain. Methods This research employed a pretest, posttest design with a follow-up period, in which 29 participants (16 in the control group and 13 in the exercise group) remained until the end of the study. Pain intensity, functional disability, and quality of life were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index, and the SF-36 questionnaire, respectively, before intervention, immediately after, and two months post-intervention. The control group continued their routine daily activities, while the exercise group performed DNS exercises three times a week for 8 weeks. Data was analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA (P ≤ 0.05). Results The results showed improvements in pain (p < 0.001), functional disability (p = 0.02), and quality of life (p = 0.01) in the exercise group at the posttest compared to the pretest. However, the durability of the exercise effects at the follow-up assessment was not sustainable compared to the posttest and pretest (P > 0.05). Conclusion An 8-week period of DNS exercises can improve pain, functional disability, and quality of life in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. However, a 2-month period of detraining can reduce the positive outcomes of these exercises.