Effect of core stability and functional mobility exercises on muscle strength after lumbar spinal cord injury

Abstract

Background: Many studies suggest that when people are confined to wheelchair, central neuropathies such as spinal cord injury usually reduce strength of core muscles and corresponding functional abilities for standing and reaching. Studies that have aimed to compare different strategies to improve functional capacity or stability have produced controversial results. Furthermore such studies have focused solely on individual component. In contrast, the present study describes the effect of core stability as well as functional mobility exercises on muscle strength after lumbar spinal cord injury. Aim: To analyze the effect of core stability and functional mobility exercises on muscle strength after lumbar spinal cord injury. Methodology: 25 patients with lumbar spinal cord injury were recruited on a volunteer basis. Ethics approval was obtained from Institutional ethical committee, KIMSDU. The purpose and procedure of the study was explained to each participant before giving their consent to participate in the study. Neurological levels and impairment scales were determined according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) standards. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, mean, and standard deviation were used for data analysis. Result: The p-value for each component is <0.0001 and is extremely significant. For each variable of the study (muscle groups) the post assessment values were more than pre assessment values. The intervention used in this study produced significant improvement in core strength and lower extremity strength of participants after lumbar spinal cord injury. Conclusion: Core stability and functional mobility exercises improve muscle strength in lumbar spinal cord injury patients.