Effects of Different Physiotherapy Interventions on Pain and Function in Persons Experiencing Lower Back Pain

Abstract

Background. Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek help from a physiotherapist. One of the techniques used in rehabilitation is resistance exercises with instability, such as exercises with TRX belts or on unstable planes.

The aim. To evaluate the effects of different interventions on pain and functional status in individuals with lower back pain.

Methods. The study included 30 subjects (mean age 47.53 ± 5.412) with lower back pain. Subjects in the study group underwent lower back stabilization exercises with TRX straps and in the control group using unstable planes. The tests were performed twice: before and after 15 intervention sessions.

Results. Pain intensity after interventions was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in both groups. In the group with exercises with TRX belts, the pain was significantly reduced more (p<0.05) than in the group on unstable planes. Torso muscle endurance after interventions was significantly increased (p<0.05) in both groups. Abdominal and back muscle endurance after interventions increased significantly (p<0.05) in both groups. In the group with exercises with TRX belts, the endurance of the left and right torso muscles and abdominal and back muscles was significantly increased (p<0.05) compared to the group where exercises were performed on unstable planes. The amplitudes of lower back flexion after interventions were significantly increased (p<0.05) in both groups, as were the amplitudes of lower back and left flexion (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions. After the interventions, the functional condition of both groups improved and the intensity of the experienced pain decreased. Exercise with TRX straps improved the endurance of the lateral torso and abdominal muscles more and reduced pain more than exercises on unstable planes for individuals experiencing lower back pain.

Keywords: lower back pain, stabilization exercises, unstable planes, TRX straps.