Effectiveness of core stability training and dynamic stretching in rehabilitation of chronic low back pain patients

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of core stability training and dynamic stretching on thoracolumbar range of motion (ROM), pain level and functional disability among chronic low back pain patients. Forty-three participants aged from 19-67 years old with the primary complaint of low back pain of more than 12 weeks’ duration were assigned to three groups: core stability (CS) (n=17), dynamic stretching (DS) (n=16) and control (n=12). All participants received regular thermotherapy and electrotherapy from the hospital rehabilitation unit. The CS group and DS groups were assigned with additional training, namely core stability training and dynamic stretching training programs for the respective groups. No additional training was given to the control group. The participants’ thoracolumbar range of motion (ROM), pain level and functional disability were tested over four different testing periods (pre, acute, ongoing, post). The current study shows both the CS group and DS group show significant improvement (p<0.05) in thoracolumbar ROM (CS group; ηp2 = 0.50, CS group; ηp2 = 0.66), pain level (CS group; ηp2 = 0.85, CS group; ηp2 = 0.81), and functional disability (CS group; ηp2 = 0.65, CS group; ηp2 = 0.82). In summary, both core stability exercise and dynamic stretching are effective in improving thoracolumbar ROM, pain-level, functional disability among chronic low back pain patients.