title: Movement control exercise versus general exercise to reduce disability in patients with low back pain and movement control impairment. A randomised controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) in subacute and chronic stages can be treated effectively with exercise therapy. Research guidelines recommend evaluating different treatments in defined subgroups of patients with NSLBP. A subgroup of patients with movement control impairment (MCI) improved significantly on patient specific function and disability in a previous case series after movement control exercises.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a randomised controlled trial (RCT) we will compare the effectiveness of movement control and general exercise in patients with MCI. 106 participants aged 18 - 75 will be recruited in 5 outpatient hospital departments and 7 private practices.Patients randomly assigned to the movement control exercise group will be instructed to perform exercises according to their MCI. The general exercise group will follow an exercise protocol aimed at improving endurance and flexibility. Patients in both groups will receive 9 - 18 treatments and will be instructed to do additional exercises at home.The primary outcome is the level of disability assessed using the patient specific functional scale (PSFS) which links the perceived pain to functional situations and is measured before treatment and at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes concern low back pain related disability (Roland Morris questionnaire, RMQ), graded chronic pain scale (GCPS), range of motion and tactile acuity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To our knowledge this study will be the first to compare two exercise programs for a specific subgroup of patients with NSLBP and MCI. Results of this study will provide insight into the effectiveness of movement control exercise and contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms behind MCI and its relation to NSLBP.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN80064281.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physiotherapy, School of Health Professions, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Technikumstrasse 71, Postfach, CH - 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland. jeannette.saner@zhaw.ch
authors.forename: Jeannette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Saner
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kool
authors.forename: Rob A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: de Bie
authors.forename: Judith M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Sieben
authors.forename: Hannu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Luomajoki
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D010809:Physical Fitness; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult