Compairing Core Stability and General Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain Patients Using Three Stability Tests on Stability of Lumbopelvic Region

Introduction: It is a matter of controversy whether core stability exercise is preferred to other types of exercise for chronic low back pain. Lumbopelvic stability is an important element in low back pain. No study was found using Lumbopelvic stability tests in
comparing core stability and other exercises. The single leg squat, dip test and runner pose test appear to be suitable as tests for lumbopelvic stability. The aim of this study was to compare “core stability” and “General exercise” using these tests and also Oswestry disability questionnaire and pain intensity.

Mothods: Fourty-three non-specific chronic low back pain subjects were alternately allocated in one of two exercise groups. For both groups, a 16-sessions exercise program was provided. Before and after training: 1- video was recorded while subjects performing the tests, 2- Oswestry disability questionnaire was filled, 3- Pain intensity were measured by visual analogue scale. The test videos were scored by three physiotherapists.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in stability test scores (P= 0/020 and P= 0/041) and reduction in disability (p < 0/001) and pain (p < 0/001) within each group. No significant difference was seen between two groups in the three outcomes (P= 0/41), (P= 0/14) and (P= 0/72) respectively.

Conclusion: Insignificant difference in two groups may indicate either unspecificity of core stability exercise to increase lumbopelvicstability or equal effectiveness of two exercises on
improving lumbopelvic stability or even insensitivity of our tests to assess stability change in two groups after the training regarding this sample size.