The Effects of Consecutive Supervised Functional Lumbar Stabilizing Exercises on the Postural Balance and Functional Disability in Low Back Pain

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of consecutively supervised core stability training on postural control and functional disability in female patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Methods: Twenty nine female participants with non-specific chronic low back pain participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (10 days consecutively core stability exercises under physical therapist’s supervision) and control group (without intervention). Before and after the intervention, stability situations, pain intensity and functional disability were assessed with Biodex, visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry and Quebec questionnaire scales respectively. Data were analyzed by using statistical methods, independent T test and ANCOVA. Results: The study results indicated no statistically significant differences in all variables except age between two groups before intervention. Analysis by ANCOVA showed a significant difference in disability, pain intensity, Overall Stability Index with Double Leg Eyes Closed, Anterior-Posterior Stability Index with Double Leg Eyes Closed and Medio-Lateral Stability Index with Double Leg Eyes Closed scores between two groups after intervention. However, other variable differences were not significant while these changes were greater in the intervention group. Discussion: The present study indicates that consecutively supervised core stability training is an effective approach in pain relief and improving postural control in female patients with non-specific chronic low back pain.