[Ultrasonic Quantification of spinal configuration and postural capacity for evaluation of different muscle strengthening programs in the therapy of back pain].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of different muscle strengthening programs in the therapy of back pain.


METHODS
102 male longshoremen aged from 29 to 63 years with chronic back pain since > two years, matched by pain intensity and functional limitations, were randomized to three test groups (TG) and one control group (CG). The test persons carried out a program for intensified muscle strengthening over a period of six months one to two times weekly in a therapeutic practice (TG1), in a health club (TG2) and in a gymnastic group (TG3). The CG did not complete any intervention. Ultrasound topometry for recording spinal configuration and postural capacity as well as the determination of pain intensity and functional limitations were used as instruments of assessment.


RESULTS
The data obtained for the CG remained virtually unchanged over the period of investigation. In contrast a decrease of pain intensity and functional limitations could be proved for all TG. Furthermore, the training programs induced both an improved postural capacity while performing the arm-raising test and an increasingly erect sagittal spinal profile. The power of effectiveness was on a homogeneous level for the medical training therapy (0.41), the fitness training (0.4) and the spinal gymnastics (0.41).


CONCLUSIONS
The three muscle strengthening programs investigated have equally favorable effects on the parameters evaluated and are qualified as effective strategies in the therapy for chronic spinal discomforts.
Dalichau
S
S
Institut f. angewandte Prävention u. Leistungsdiagnostik der Berufsgenossenschaftlichen. s.dalichau@ipl-bremen.de
Stein
B
B
Schäfer
K
K
Buhlmann
J J
JJ
Menken
P
P
D000328:Adult; D001416:Back Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015897:Comorbidity; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008571:Men; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011187:Posture; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography