Effectiveness of Core Stabilization Exercises Versus Mckenzie’s Exercises in Chronic Lower Back Pain

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of core stabilization and McKenzie's exercises on intensity of pain, disability and lumbo-pelvic stability was compared in non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Departments of Physical Therapy, Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi and Peoples University of Medical & Health Sciences, Nawabshah during 2012-13.

Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with non-specific CLBP were enrolled through convenience sampling and were randomly assigned core stabilization and McKenzie exercises. Intensity of pain, disability, and lumbo-pelvic stability were evaluated by Visual Analouge Scale, The Oswestry disability Questionnaire, and Stibilizer Pressure Biofeedback Unit, respectively.  Eighteen sessions were done for both groups. t-tests and ANCOVA test were used for statistical analysis (p<0.05).

Results: Although the score of pain decreased in both groups (p<0.05), the decrease of intensity of pain was more than in Core Stabilization Exercises Group (p<0.05). The score of disability questionnaire decreased in stabilization exercise group (p<0.05). During Knee Lift Abdominal and Bent Knee Fall Out maneouvres, pressure of biofeedback unit did not significantly differ before and after interventions, in both groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The stabilization exercises can reduce pain and disability in nonspecific CLBP patients.