Effects of Core Stability Training on Kinematic and Kinetic Variables in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to assess the effects of an 8-week core stability training on the kinematics and kinetics of trunk flexion and extension motions in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). Methods: A total of 30 CNSLBP patients with the age range of 25 to 45 years were randomly divided into 2 equally sized groups. The subjects were identified through clinical examination. Before and after the training, tests were applied to assess peak 3-dimensional hip joint moments, peak negative and positive hip joint powers, and lumbopelvic coupling angles during trunk flexion and extension motions. The first group underwent an 8-week core stability training program, including the specific exercise of the deep muscles of abdominal along with the lumbar multifidus co-activation. After the 8-week program, the post-test stage was performed similarly to the pre-test. Results: The main effects of “time” (P=0.029, f=0.84) and “time-by-group” interactions (P=0.03, f=0.16) for hip abductor moments and internal rotator moment (P=0.03, f=0.87) were significant. A trend toward the statistically significant main effect of “time” was found for the coupling angle during the flexion phase (P<0.05, f=1.88), extension phase (P=0.02, f=0.93), and “time×group” interaction during the flexion (P<0.05, f=1.96), extension (P=0.01, f=0.96) phases. Conclusion: Core stability training has the potential to improve kinematics and kinetics during trunk flexion and extension motions in patients with CNSLBP.