Comparison of Trunk Stabilization Exercises Using a Gym Ball and Conventional Back Care Exercises for Patients With Chronic Lower Back Pain

The trunk muscles are vital for the maintenance of spinal stability. Training of specific muscles surrounding the lumbar spine, which provide dynamic and segmental stability, is one of the major goals in the management of patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). However, more investigation of lumbar stabilization training using a ball is required before making any strong conclusions about its efficacy. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of trunk stabilization exercises and conventional back care exercises for patients with chronic LBP. Thirty male subjects with chronic LBP were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group received trunk stabilization exercise using a gym ball whereas the control group received conventional back care exercises for six weeks. The abdominal muscle endurance, pain intensity, and functional disability were measured using pressure biofeedback, visual analogue scale (VAS), and modified Oswestry disability questionnaire (MODQ), respectively. All the measurements were taken at baseline and during week two, four and six. The results of the study demonstrated significant improvements in abdominal muscle endurance and reduction in VAS and MODQ score of both groups (P = 0.001). The trunk stabilization exercise group showed greater gains in abdominal muscle endurance during weeks two to six compared to the conventional back care exercise group (P < 0.05). In addition, the trunk stabilization exercise group showed greater reduction in the VAS score (P = 0.035) and MODQ score (P = 0.001) at week six compared to the conventional back care exercise group. The trunk stabilization exercises are more effective than conventional back care exercises in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic LBP.