[Evaluation of specific stabilizing exercise in the treatment of low back pain and lumbar disk disease in outpatient rehabilitation]

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of outpatient rehabilitation in patients with low back pain and lumbar disk disease with a specific stabilizing exercise of the M. multifidus and M. transversus abdominis.

Method: 99 outpatients admitted to a rehabilitation unit were included in a prospective randomized controlled interventional trial. The interventional group consisted of 50 patients (34 male, 16 female; mean age 41.1 +/- 9.1, range; 21 - 54 years), 49 patients (31 male, 18 female; mean age 37.9 +/- 9.5, range; 19 - 55 years) were in the control group. Outcomes were assessed at the beginning and the end of the treatment and at a three month follow-up with the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, the Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire FFbH-R, the pain scale SES and a numeric rating scale.

Results: In both groups there was a significant functional improvement as measured with the Oswestry Score and the FFbH-R. The interventional group showed better values at the end of the treatment. Pain as well could be reduced significantly by the treatment, but no differences were noted between the two groups.

Conclusion: Outpatient rehabilitation improved functional capacity and pain in both groups. Advantages could be seen in the interventional group concerning functional status. The specific stabilizing exercise approach appears to be effective in conservative treatment programs of low back pain and lumbar disk disease.