Comparing the effects of McGill stabilization exercises and general exercises on postural stability index in patients with non specific chronic low back pain using the Biodex Balance System

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common problems of public health systems in the world. Almost 84 percent of people will experience back pain in their lifetime. Lumbar stabilization exercises have been shown to provide normal stability and coordination in lumbar muscles. McGill has designed exercises in lumbo-pelvic region, based on global muscle stabilization, in order to increase stability and coordination without any load on lumbar spine, to improve the function of the anterior, posterior, and lateral lumbar muscles. Objective: the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of “McGill stabilization exercises” on postural stability index, pain, functional disability and active back flexion and extension range of motion in patients with CNSLBP in comparison with “conventional physiotherapy” treatment. Methods and Materials: Thirty patients with chronic non-specific low back pain were randomly assigned to the McGill stabilization exercises group (n=15) and conventional physiotherapy group (n=15). In both groups, patients performed the corresponding exercises for six weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS), Quebec Low Back Pain Disability Scale questionnaire, inclinometer and Biodex Balance System were used to measure pain, functional disability, and active thoracolumbar range of motion variables and postural balance indeces including Anteroposerior Stability Index, Mediolateral Stability Index ,and Overall Stability Index, respectively. The study data were collected before and after training and also all the variables were followed for one month. Results: The results demonstrated that significant differences were not observed in pain, disability and range of motion between the two groups (P>0.05). In the dynamic postural stability variables, significantly changes were observed in three indeces (P<0.05), that these changes were highly significant in Mediolateral Stability Index (P=0.003). Conclusion: McGill stabilization exercises not have advantage compared to conventional physiotherapy in pain relief, disability and range of motion improvement, but McGill stabilization exercises can improve more effective dynamic postural balance variables to maintain balance in daily activities such as walking.