Affiliations: [a] Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK | [b] ProPhysio Spinal and Sport Injury Clinic, UK | [c] Centre for Health, Exercise and Sport Science, Southampton Solent University, UK | [d] Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Chester, UK
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Dr. Dave Smith, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 5DU, UK. Tel.: +44 161 247 5338; Fax: +44 161 247 6375; E-mail: d.d.smith@mmu.ac.uk
Note: [1] This paper was presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the Society for Back Pain Research, Keele University, UK.
Note: [2] Present address: Liverpool Hope University, UK.
Abstract: Introduction:A dynamometer employing a stabilization procedure (lumbar extension machine, MedX, Ocala, FL) is effective in improving strength and reducing symptoms of low back pain (LBP), and researchers have hypothesized that this effectiveness is due to the pelvic stabilization. However, effects of the dynamometer with and without pelvic stabilization on LBP have not been compared: This was the aim of the present study. Methods:Forty-two chronic LBP patients were randomly assigned to a lumbar extension training with pelvic stabilization group (STAB; n=15), a lumbar extension without pelvic stabilization group (NO-STAB; n=15) and a control group (n=12). STAB and NO-STAB participants completed one weekly session of dynamic variable resistance exercise (one set of 8–12 repetitions to fatigue) on the lumbar extension machine (with or without pelvic stabilization) for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-test measures of self-reported LBP (101-point visual analog scale; pre-test mean of 25), related disability (Oswestry disability index; pre-test mean of 34) and lumbar strength were taken. Results:After the exercise program, the STAB group increased significantly in lumbar strength at all joint angles, and decreased significantly in visual analogue and Oswestry scores. However, there were no significant changes in these variables in the NO-STAB and control groups. Discussion:Isolated lumbar extension exercise is very effective in reducing LBP in chronic patients. However, when the pelvis is not stabilized, otherwise identical exercises appear ineffective in reducing LBP.
