The effects of core stability training in nurses with nonspecific low back pain

Abstract

To investigate the effect of core stability training on nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) in nurses. The data were collected retrospectively by reviewing the patient's medical records and pain questionnaires in our rehabilitation center. A total of 40 nurses with NSLBP were included and divided into observation group and control group. Each group were given routine health education for NSLBP. Core stability training was performed in observation group for 4 weeks. Surface electromyography (sEMG) evaluation of erector spine and multifidus muscle, pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were evaluated and analyzed before and 4 weeks after intervention. There was no significant difference of NRS score and JOA score between two groups before intervention ( P > .05, respectively). The NRS and JOA scores were significantly improved in both two groups after 4 weeks of intervention ( P < .05, respectively). Moreover, the improvement of NRS and JOA scores in the observation group were better than those of the control group ( P < .05, respectively). No significant difference of average electromyography (AEMG) or median frequency (MF) were noted between the healthy side and the affected side in both groups before or after intervention ( P > .05, respectively). After 4 weeks of intervention, the AEMG of the healthy and the affected side of the two groups showed an improved trend without significant difference ( P > .05, respectively). The MF of affected side was significantly higher 4 weeks after intervention than those before treatment in the observation and control group ( P < .05, respectively). Core stability training can alleviate pain, improve the fatigue resistance of the core muscles and the balance of the functions of bilateral multifidus muscles in nurses with NSLBP.

The Effectiveness of Group-Based Core Stability Exercise and Educational Booklet for Hospital Workers in Taiwan with Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Study

“…Ferreira et al also found that exercise therapy and an educational booklet were equivalent in terms of outcome benefits [ 15 ]. Quality of life was not one of the outcome measures in their studies [ 15 , 17 ], but it was greatly improved by core stability exercise therapy in our study. Participants with low back pain benefited more from group-based exercise than home-based exercise in terms of personal well-being, work satisfaction, desire to exercise, and energy in engagement with family and friends [ 33 ].…”

“…The studies by Zou et al (2021) and Ferreira et al (2021) were designed to evaluate the add-on effect of exercise therapy combined with health consultation. Zou et al showed that core stability exercise and health education together provided more effects on pain reduction and functional improvement than health education alone [ 17 ]. Ferreira et al also found that exercise therapy and an educational booklet were equivalent in terms of outcome benefits [ 15 ].…”

“…To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to address the outcome differences between core stability exercises and patient education booklets [ 13 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic effects of core stability exercises and the patient education booklet, uncover limitations in practicality, and provide further information in clinical practice.…”

Effects of core stability training on older women with low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

“…Recently, motor control exercises affecting local muscles (lumbar and lateral abdominal muscles) have been seen to improve postural stability and/or reduce back problems in young adults [11]. Core stability training has been reported to be an effective intervention for balance performance [12][13][14]. Szafraniec et al [12] reported that 4 weeks of core stability training improved balanced performance in health adults.…”

“…Szafraniec et al [12] reported that 4 weeks of core stability training improved balanced performance in health adults. Zou et al [13] reported that 4 weeks core stability training improved balance ability in young adults with LBP. A meta-analysis conducted by Wang et al [14] indicated that core stability training can improve the trunk function balance and mobility of the patients with young LBP patients.…”