Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Publication

A quantitative investigation into the effectiveness of a 2x2, crossover, randomized control trial, for individuals suffering from non-specific chronic lower back pain, using a physical exercise-focused clinical intervention on the transverse abdominus/ multifidus (stability) and rectus abdominals/ erector spinae (dynamic) muscles.

Abstract
A plethora of research has been conducted on interventions to reduce non-specific lower back pain and improve the quality of life of sufferers. However, there is a lack of distinction on the complementary nature of these interventions. Our primary research goal was to assess the effectiveness of stability- and dynamic-style clinical interventions, focusing on exercises to strengthen specific trunk muscles, including the transverse abdominis/multifidus (stability-AB), and rectus abdominis/ erector spinae (dynamic). We aimed to determine the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing non-specific chronic lower back pain. Our research questions focused on whether a two-part clinical intervention targeting specific core muscle groups (dynamic or stability) improves pain outcomes, whether exercises targeting specific core muscle groups improve disability index physical impairment and overall low back pain rating scale scores, and if there is a difference between intervention groups and the sequential order of intervention for these outcomes. Additionally, we wanted to investigate the correlation between these outcome measures and trunk endurance strength scores. Seven participants were randomly assigned to either the stability (N =4) or dynamic (N = 3) exercise group. Outcome measures included back and leg pain, lower back pain visual analogue scale scores, disability index, physical impairment, and total Low Back Pain Rating Scale (LBPRS) scores. Four measures of trunk endurance strength were taken using Mcgill's Torso Endurance Test Battery (MTETB), which involves trunk extension, trunk flexor, and trunk lateral tests on both the left and right sides. Assessments were performed before the first clinical intervention, after the first intervention, and after the completion of the final intervention. Each intervention phase lasted 4 weeks for each participant before they switched to the opposing exercise group. The scores of back and leg pain, lower back pain, disability index, and physical impairment all improved significantly after both interventions. We found no difference between the groups during these intervention phases, or any potential crossover/sequential effect, except for the dynamic group showing a significant improvement in physical impairment scores after the first intervention, which remained consistent between interventions one and two. In conclusion, both exercise approaches were similar across all our outcome measures and may serve as complementary interventions for individuals suffering from non-specific chronic low back pain.
Type
Thesis
Type of thesis
Series
Citation
Date
2024
Publisher
The University of Waikato
Supervisors
Rights
All items in Research Commons are provided for private study and research purposes and are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.