The effect of trunk control exercises performed on unstable surfaces on the spinal stability of low back pain patients

Abstract

[Purpose] The present study was designed to investigate the effect of trunk control exercise on an unstable surface on spinal stability of low back pain patients. [Subjects] In total, 21 participants were assigned to a trunk experimental group (TG, n=11) or a control group (CG, n=10). In addition to conventional therapy, the TG received trunk control exercise on a Swiss ball for 20 minutes, 4 times a week, for 8 weeks. [Methods] The ability to move the center of gravity (COP) forward, backward, left, and right and the ability to maintain the COP in these positions were measured using the Air Balance 3D System to evaluate spinal stability. [Results] There were significant differences between CG and TG in the ability to move the COP and the ability to maintain the COP in the forward and backward directions. [Conclusion] These results suggest that trunk control exercise on an unstable surface improves the spinal stability of low back pain patients.