[Effects of a strengthening program for lower back in older women with chronic low back pain].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify effects of a strengthening program for the lower back in older women with chronic low back pain.


METHODS
The research design was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest experiment. The experimental group consisted of 16 older women and the control group, 14, all of whom had experienced low back pain for at least 3 months. The strengthening program for the lower back included lumbar stabilization exercises and education on pain management in daily living. For an 8 week period, exercises were done 3 days a week and on one day education was also given.


RESULTS
Pain and disability scores decreased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. Flexibility, life satisfaction and lumbar muscle strength scores increased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Low back pain and disability can be relieved, and flexibility, muscle strength, and life satisfaction increased through a program to strengthen the lower back. It is suggested that a program to strengthen the lower back would be an effective nursing intervention for older women with low back pain.
Hyoung
Hee-Kyoung
HK
College of Nursing, Margaret Pritchard University, Jeonju, Korea. hhk00@hanmail.net
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular