Changes in plasma concentration of serotonin in response to spinal stabilisation exercises in chronic low back pain
Oluwaleke Sokunbi1, Peter Watt, Ann Moore
1Department Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos.
Background:
Currently, there is evidence demonstrating the efficacy of stabilisation exercises in the management of acute and chronic low back disorders. However, the main facilitation techniques behind the efficacy of this exercise still remain uncertain.
Objective:
The purpose of the study was to investigate the changes in the plasma levels of serotonin in response to spinal stabilisation exercises in participants with chronic low back pain.
Methods:
Twenty-two participants (11 males, 11 females) with chronic low back pain volunteered to the take part in this study. The main outcome measures used in this study were plasma levels of serotonin measured with Enzyme linked immuno absorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Participants were randomly allocated either to the stabilisation exercise groups, where they carried out stabilisation exercise training or the control (no exercise) group.
Results:
The results showed significant increase in plasma serotonin level by 17.8% in the exercise groups immediately following active exercise, which was not noticed in the control group.
Conclusion:
It could also be that an increase in plasma serotonin levels produced with the use of stabilisation exercise may have a role to play in the positive out come of stabilisation exercise in the management of chronic low back pain.
