Comparative analysis of motor control stability and strengthening program in treatment of chronic low back pain among male weight lifters

Abstract

Background: Chronic low back pain is a common problem which affects the majority low back pain is the most expensive health care problem in those between ages of 20 and 50 and in that 50% of all injuries in adolescent power lifters were to the low back. Recent focus in the physiotherapy management of the patient with Chronic low back pain has been the specific training of muscles surrounding the lumbar spine whose primary role is considered to be the provision of the dynamic stability and segmental control to the spine. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that motor control exercise therapy targeting the transverse abdominis and multifidus appears effective in enhancing segmental stability, reducing low back pain, enhancing functional ability and reducing recurrence rates in patients with low back pain. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to introduce motor control exercise as an intervention method for the treatment of low back pain among weight lifters. This study also serves as an initial step in a research process that would explore motor control exercises as a useful addition to other interventions, as there is a paucity of clinical research studies that examine the efficacy of this technique. Very few studies have been done to compare the effectiveness of strengthening and general exercises, and there are no studies comparing motor control exercises and strengthening exercises. Methods: Experimental design, Random sampling, Variables - VAS scale, Oswestry disability scale, Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire, Pressure biofeedback, Ultra sound scanning for Transverse abdominis and Multifidus. 22 intercollegiate men weight lifters were selected as subjects, age ranged from 20 to 28 years. Subjects were screened to identify those who are not suitable for exercise management of their low back pain because of significant co-morbidity such as serious spinal pathology or contraindication to exercise. Procedure - 22 male subjects are randomized into two groups, Group A and Group B, 11 subjects in each group. Questionnaires and Ultra sound scanning taken prior to the treatment for all 22 subjects. Group A received motor control stability exercises and Group B received strengthening exercises for 8 weeks and each session lasted with 45 minutes. After 8 weeks again the same questionnaires are applied and ultra sound scanning done to see the outcome of exercise program. Results: Repeated measure of analysis of co-variance applied to find out the differences among the adjusted means. Repeated measure of analysis of co-variance is a more sophisticated method of analysis of variance. Whenever the “f” ratio was found to be significant, Scheffe's post hoc test was applied to assess the differences between the adjusted means if any.0.05 level of confidence was fixed to test the level of significance. The result shows that motor control exercise has significant improvement (p 0.05) compared to strengthening exercise. Conclusion(s): The motor control exercise is important to improve the functional ability and pain reduction in chronic low back pain subjects. Implications: This can be basis for research for the functional performance level in chronic low back pain patients.