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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01124201

Lumbar Stabilization, Strengthening and Stretching in Chronic Low Back Pain

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of three exercise programs in patients with chronic low back pain: Segmental stabilization, superficial strengthening and stretching. Groups were contrasted regarding pain, functional disability and TrA muscle activation capacity. The three groups of exercise improved pain and functional disabilities, and the Segmental stabilization group was better in the ability to recruit TrA muscle.

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Key information

Conditions

Chronic Low Back Pain Back Pain Low Back Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

23 year–53 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Sao Paulo General Hospital

São Paulo, Brazil

About this study

Objective: To contrast the efficacy of three exercise programs, segmental stabilization and strengthening of abdominal and trunk muscle and lumbar stretching on pain, functional impairment, and activation of the transversus abdominis muscle (TrA), in individuals with chronic low back pain.

Design: Forty-five patients were randomized into three groups namely: Segmental stabilization group (ES)(transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus) (n=15, mean age 42,02 ± 8,15), superficial strengthening group (FS)(rectus abdominis, oblique abdominal muscles and erector spinae muscles) (n=15, mean age 41,71±6,41) and stretching group (AL) (erector spinae, posterior connective tissues and ischiotibials muscles) (n=15 mean age 41,53 ± 4,41). Groups were contrasted regarding pain (visual analogical scale and McGill pain questionnaire), functional disability (Oswestry disability questionnaire) and TrA muscle activation capacity (Pressure Biofeedback Unit = PBU). The program lasted 6 weeks, and sessions happened twice a week, with duration of 30 minutes each. Analysis of variance was used for inter and intragroup comparisons. Significance level was established at 5%.

Patients attended two weekly sessions during six weeks and were evaluated for pain (visual analogue scale and McGill Pain Questionnaire), functional disability (Oswestry disability index), and ability to contract the TrA (Pressure biofeedback unit) before and after the treatment. The treatment program consisted of 30 minutes sessions. The Anova one-way and Tukey´s Post Hoc were used to compare groups. The significance level adopted was 5%.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • low back pain for more than 3 months
  • patients willing to participate and could participate in an exercise program safely and without cognitive impairments that would limit their participation.

Exclusion criteria

  • past history of back surgery
  • rheumatologic disorders
  • spine infections
  • spine exercise training in the 3 months before study onset.

Treatment and study plan

Stabilization , strengthening and stretching

Other

Interventions were conducted over 6 weeks, twice per week, lasting 30 minutes each. Sessions were supervised by the investigator, and participants were instructed to report any adverse event. Groups were instructed not to participate in any other physical program during the study. Forty-five patients were randomized into three groups namely: Segmental stabilization group (ES)(transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus), superficial strengthening group (FS)(rectus abdominis, oblique abdominal muscles and erector spinae muscles) and stretching group (AL) (erector spinae, posterior connective tissues and ischiotibials muscles). Patients were evaluated for pain , functional disability,and ability to contract the TrA before and after the treatment.

Other names: Pressure Biofeedback Unit

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain (visual analogical scale and McGill pain questionnaire)

    Time frame: Six weeks

  2. Functional disability (Oswestry disability questionnaire)

    Time frame: Six weeks

  3. TrA muscle activation capacity (Pressure Biofeedback Unit = PBU)

    Time frame: Six weeks

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Sao Paulo General Hospital

Other

Collaborators

  • Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Registry information

Official study title

Lumbar Segmental Stabilization, Strengthening and Stretching in Chronic Low Back Pain: a Comparative Study

Important dates

Study start
2007
Primary completion
2008
Study completion
2009
First posted
May 14, 2010
Registry last updated
May 14, 2010

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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