title: Rotation exercise classes did not improve function in women with non-specific chronic low back pain: A randomized single blind controlled study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Exercise is considered the first line of treatment for people with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) but the ideal exercise type is currently unclear. Given the unique anatomical structure of the lower lumbar spine and the lumbosacral junction transverse-plane rotation exercises may be helpful for people suffering from pain in this region.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to examine the effect of spinal rotation exercises delivered in a group format on range of motion, pain level and function parameters in women with NSCLBP.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a randomized controlled single-blinded study. Thirty-five women with NSCLBP, participated in either a bi-weekly rotation exercise classes (n= 20) or a `wait-list' control group (n = 15). The exercises aimed at improving lumbar mobility in the transverse plane. Pain rated on a Visual Analog Scale, back specific disability (Rolland Morris questionnaire), and lumbar range of motion (flexion, extension and left and right rotation) were taken prior to intervention, immediately following 4 weeks of intervention and 8 weeks later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences for either group (p> 0.05) on all dependent variables at all times of measurements.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A specific group program of rotation exercises had no effect on the functional status, pain level and lumbar range of motion in women with NSCLBP.
authors.affiliation: Haclalit Medical Center, and Department of Physiotherapy, The Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Jaffa, Israel.
authors.forename: Yael
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Segal-Snir
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: V Anat
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Lubetzky
authors.affiliation: Spinal Research Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, The Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Jaffa, Israel.
authors.forename: Youssef
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Masharawi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D064232:Visual Analog Scale
keywords: Low back pain; Rolland Morris; group exercise; lumbar rotation; rotation exercises; visual analog scale