title: Effect of lumbar stabilization and dynamic lumbar strengthening exercises in patients with chronic low back pain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises and lumbar dynamic strengthening exercises on the maximal isometric strength of the lumbar extensors, pain severity and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients suffering nonspecific LBP for more than 3 months were included prospectively and randomized into lumbar stabilization exercise group (n=11) or lumbar dynamic strengthening exercise group (n=10). Exercises were performed for 1 hour, twice weekly, for 8 weeks. The strength of the lumbar extensors was measured at various angles ranging from 0° to 72° at intervals of 12°, using a MedX. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODQ) were used to measure the severity of LBP and functional disability before and after the exercise.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with the baseline, lumbar extension strength at all angles improved significantly in both groups after 8 weeks. The improvements were significantly greater in the lumbar stabilization exercise group at 0° and 12° of lumbar flexion. VAS decreased significantly after treatment; however, the changes were not significantly different between the groups. ODQ scores improved significantly in the stabilization exercise group only.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both lumbar stabilization and dynamic strengthening exercise strengthened the lumbar extensors and reduced LBP. However, the lumbar stabilization exercise was more effective in lumbar extensor strengthening and functional improvement in patients with nonspecific chronic LBP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hye Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: Kyoung Hyo
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Dae Ha
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Ha Jeong
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Young Ki
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Kwang Hee
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jung Hoo
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Yoo Jung
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Choi
keywords: Abdominal muscle; Exercise; Low back pain; Muscle strength; Rehabilitation