Document Type : Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT)
Authors
Department of Exercise Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
Abstract
Background: Low back pain is a significant musculoskeletal condition which leads to limitations in physical function and a poor quality of life in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the impact of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises on the quality of life, lower extremity strength, and pain levels in elderly women.
Method: This clinical trial was designed as a single-blind randomized controlled study. A total number of 30 female participants, aged between 60 and 80, who had experienced persistent lower back pain and voluntarily participated in this study. The allocation method using Random Number Generator software with block randomization involves dividing participants into smaller blocks and randomly assigning them to study groups (control, n=15 and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization, n=15). The group performing DNS exercises engaged in sessions three times weekly over an eight-week period, whereas the control group did not participate in any physical activity. This study was registered with the code of IRCT20180626040244N2 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. The study took place in Hamedan, Iran during September -December 2024. All participants received assessments, including the 30-second sit-to-stand (STS) test for measuring lower limb strength, SF-36 questionnaire for measuring quality of life (QOL), and visual analog scale (VAS) for measuring pain, three days prior to the first intervention session and one to three days following the last intervention session after eight weeks. The data were analyzed using a paired-sample t-test and covariance analysis (ANCOVA), with statistical significance established at P<0.05.
Results: The results of ANCOVA indicated that an 8-week DNS exercise program significantly decreased pain (DNSE: baseline=8.64±1.22, week eight=4.79±1.58; Control: baseline=8.07±1.16, week eight=7.33±1.05) (P=0.009), and significantly increased QOL (DNSE: baseline=32.38±4.86, week eight=68.74±6.45; Control: baseline=32.90±8.39, week eight=30.66±6.92) (P=0.004), as well as 30-Sec STS (DNSE: baseline=6.57±1.09, week eight=9.10±1.04; Control: baseline=6.67±1.01, week eight=6.33±0.62) (P=0.004).
Conclusions: These findings implied that DNS exercises may elevate the overall well-being in older women with chronic low back pain by reducing pain and enhancing lower limb strength.
Keywords
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