Effects of a multidisciplinary programme on postural stability in patients with chronic recurrent low back pain: preliminary findings.
OBJECTIVE
This longitudinal study investigated the effects of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme on postural stability in patients with low back pain. While the consequences of such rehabilitation programme have been described for pain, mobility, strength, and functional disability, the effects on postural stability have not been examined so far.


METHODS
Thirty-four patients suffering from chronic low back pain were included to participate in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme. We assessed postural stability, pain, strength of the lumbar extensor muscles, and functional disability. The examinations were performed before the intervention, after 20 training sessions ("half-way point"), and at the end of the rehabilitation programme.


RESULTS
All outcome measures improved significantly from baseline to the first follow-up evaluation and remained constant until completion of the rehabilitation programme.


CONCLUSIONS
A multidisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation programme may improve postural stability, muscle strength, pain, and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria. karin.pieber@meduniwien.ac.at.
Karin
K
Pieber
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
Malvina
M
Herceg
Institute for Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Robert
R
Csapo
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
Günther
G
Wiesinger
Landsteiner Institute of Remobilisation and Functional Health, Vienna, Austria.
Michael
M
Quittan
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
Richard
R
Crevenna
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, General Hospital Linz, Linz, Austria.
Christian
C
Mittermaier
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D064131:Back Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010348:Patient Care Team; D004856:Postural Balance; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Balance; Functional Reach Test; Posturography; Sensorimotor training; Sensory organization test