The effect of exercise therapy on pain, disability and endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles in women with chronic idiopathic low back pain

Background: Exercise is a widely prescribed treatment for chronic low back pain. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks exercise on pain, disability and endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles in female with chronic idiopathic low back pain. Methods: This clinical trial study has been done on 12 patients who referred to the Arak city clinics. The function of trunk flexor-extensor muscles in cases was compared to function of 18 normal females. We use the Quebec pain questionnaire, Oswerstry disability questionnaire and Sorenson and Sit-Up tests. Exercise therapy was performed in three 45 minute’s sessions per week. Each session was performed in 3 set. Exercises were repeated 8-12 point in each set. The data was analyzed using t-test. Results: Endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles of patients was significantly lower than normal subjects (P<0.05). Endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles of patients significantly improved after exercise therapy (P<0.05). Low back pain of patients was decreased significantly after treatment ((P<0.05). In addition, significant reduction of disability observed after exercise therapy (P<0.05). Conclusion: Exercise therapy may increase endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles in women with chronic idiopathic low back pain. In addition, it can reduce law back pain and disability in this population.