The lumbar stabilization exercise and balance training in low-grade degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis - a prospective, clinical trial

Authors

Yun-Chung Lin, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan.
Mei-Yun Liaw, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan.Follow
Tsung-Hsun Yang, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan.
Ya-Ping Pong, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan.
Yan-Yuh Lee, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan.
Chien-Wei Chen, Department of Physical Therapy, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Song-Chung Chen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan
Yu-Chi Huang, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) may have low back pain (LBP), radicular pain and spinal instability. Current programs emphasize intervention of spinal stabilization exercise. However, no prospective, randomized studies have elucidated standardized treatment for DLS.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of spinal stabilization exercise and Biodex balance system (BBS) training in patients with DLS.

METHODS: It was a prospective, clinical trial. Participants were allocated into three groups: (1) DLS-balance group treated with balance training (DLSB), (2) DLS non-balance training group (DLSNB), and (3) lumbar spondylosis without spondylolisthesis (SC). ALL patients underwent a rehabilitation program with lumbar stabilization exercises. The evaluation included the Numeric Pain Scale, the BBS, the Quebec back pain disability scale and Oswestry disability index.

RESULTS: LBP was significantly different among three groups. Radicular pain was significantly different in the DLSB and SC groups. In post-hoc analysis, only the DLSB group had greater pain relief than the DLSNB group. Fall risk significantly decreased in the DLSB group.

CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar stabilization exercise were beneficial for DLS. BBS could provide more pain relief than lumbar stabilization exercise alone. BBS also enhanced balance in DLS patients, thereby reducing fall risks. Findings could provide a clinical reference for designing rehabilitation programs.

Recommended Citation

Lin, Yun-Chung; Liaw, Mei-Yun; Yang, Tsung-Hsun; Pong, Ya-Ping; Lee, Yan-Yuh; Chen, Chien-Wei; Chen, Song-Chung; and Huang, Yu-Chi (2024) "The lumbar stabilization exercise and balance training in low-grade degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis - a prospective, clinical trial," Rehabilitation Practice and Science: Vol. 2024: Iss. 2, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6315/3005-3846.2244
Available at: https://rps.researchcommons.org/journal/vol2024/iss2/2