Effects of two 4-week proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation programs on muscle endurance, flexibility, and functional performance in women with chronic low back pain.
OBJECTIVE
Improving functional performance in patients with chronic low back pain is of primary importance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 2 proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) programs on trunk muscle endurance, flexibility, and functional performance in subjects with chronic low back pain (CLBP).


METHODS
Eighty-six women (40.2+/-11.9 [mean+/-SD] years of age) who had complaints of CLBP were randomly assigned to 3 groups: rhythmic stabilization training, combination of isotonic exercises, and control.


METHODS
Subjects trained with each program for 4 weeks with the aim of improving trunk stability and strength. Static and dynamic trunk muscle endurance and lumbar mobility were measured before, at the end of, and 4 and 8 weeks after training. Disability and back pain intensity also were measured with the Oswestry Index.


RESULTS
Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that both training groups demonstrated significant improvements in lumbar mobility (8.6%-24.1%), static and dynamic muscle endurance (23.6%-81%), and Oswestry Index (29.3%-31.8%) measurements.


CONCLUSIONS
Static and dynamic PNF programs may be appropriate for improving short-term trunk muscle endurance and trunk mobility in people with CLBP.
Kofotolis
Nick
N
Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Agios Ioannis, 62110 Serres, Greece.
Kellis
Eleftherios
E
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018583:Pliability; D011434:Proprioception; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires