Alterations of F wave parameters after exercise in symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to investigate changes in F wave parameters after exercise in subjects with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis.

Design: A total of 19 older patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and neurogenic claudication participated in this cohort study. No one withdrew for adverse effects. All subjects underwent physical therapy, with half performing additional interval-walking exercises. Groups were treated for eight sessions, returning for follow-up at weeks 4 and 8. Changes in F wave indices--minimal latency, chronodispersion, and persistence--were calculated. The treatment group demonstrated worsening of F wave persistence at 8-wk follow-up (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: F wave indices worsened after an interval-walking exercise program. Subjects in the treatment group demonstrated worsening of F wave persistence at 8-wk follow-up.