Effect on Active Exercise Programs in Employees with Chronic Low Back Pain.
- Author:
Jin Gang HUR
1
;
Jae Cheol SONG
;
Young Man ROH
;
Dong Sik PARK
;
Young Ae YANG
;
Yoon Shin KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Randomized Controlled Trial
- Keywords:
Lumbar instability;
Lumbar exercise program
- MeSH:
Hand;
Low Back Pain*;
Lumbosacral Region
- From:Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2005;17(1):44-57
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To examine the relative efficacy of three active exercise programs for work-related, chronic low back pain, and to observe to what extent the programs affected the mechanical stability of the lumbar region. METHODS: The subjects were 64 employees who were randomly divided into three groups to match the three active exercise programs which were performed 3 times a week for 6 months. All subjects were assessed with the same measurements at a pre-study examination, and then were reassessed at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after the study. RESULTS: The pain intensity didn't show any significant difference among the three groups. However, the Oswestry Disability Index showed significant differences among the three groups at 6 months and the lumbar and thoracic exercise groups showed significant decreases compared to the general physiotherapy group (p<0.05). Maximal stretching with both hands in the overhead direction showed a significant difference among the three groups at 3 months and 6 months, and the thoracic exercise group at 6 months showed a significant increase in overhead stretching compared to the lumbar exercise and general physiotherapy groups (p<0.05). The lumbar region angle of inclination showed significant differences among the three groups at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, with the thoracic exercise group being decreased significantly more than the lumbar exercise and general physiotherapy groups at 6 months (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise aimed at increasing thoracic mobility has an effect on lumbar stability. Furthermore, it is far more effective for lumbar stabilization than general physiotherapy and deep muscle strengthening lumbar exercise.
