Core stability exercise versus movement control exercise in chronic mechanical low back pain

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two types of therapeutic exercise: core stability exercises and movement control exercises in pain and function. Methods. Thirty-five patients were diagnosed and referred to physiotherapy as CMLBP, their age ranged from 25–40 years old, patients divided randomly into two groups and assessed for their current level of pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) and for disability using Oswestry disability index (ODI) before and after the study. Both groups received a well-documented fully supervised exercise program as group I movement control exercise, and group II received core stability exercises. Results. Showed significant effect of both exercise approaches on reducing pain level and restoring function. Although the group I exercises showed to be more effective in reducing pain than group II, their difference regarding improving function was non-significant. Conclusion. Conservative forms of treatment (therapeutic exercises) still prove it is a successful, cost-effective treatment of choice in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain. Movement control exercises are superior in reducing pain to core stability exercises.