Effect of proprioceptive training on lower back muscle performance in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of proprioceptive training in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain on lower back muscle performance. Methods. Overall, 43 participants of both genders (28 females and 15 males) with chronic non-specific low back pain aged 18–26 years were randomly assigned to 2 groups (A and B). Group A (n = 22) received proprioceptive training and conventional strengthening and stretching exercises 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Group B (n = 21) received conventional strengthening and stretching exercises 3 times per week for 8 weeks. To assess lower back muscle performance (peak torque) and the repositioning error of the lumbar spine, a Biodex System 3 Pro isokinetic dynamometer was used. A pressure pain algometer served to measure the pain level, and the functional level was evaluated with the Arabic version of Oswestry Disability Index. All subjects’ outcomes were assessed before and after treatment. For statistical analysis, mixed ANOVA was conducted to investigate the effect of treatment. Results. A statistically significant effect (p < 0.0001) of treatment and time was revealed in both groups for all measured variables. Between-group analysis implied a higher improvement in post-intervention results in group A (p < 0.05). Conclusions. This study indicated improvement in both groups, but adding proprioceptive training to conventional therapy resulted in more improvement in all measured variables.