Stabilization Exercises Versus Flexion Exercises in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Physical Therapy
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Exercise is a primary treatment for low back pain and degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS).
• Optimal exercise selection for chronic low back pain (CLBP) with DS remains unclear.
• A comparison between lumbar stabilization and flexion exercises is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of lumbar stabilization exercises versus flexion exercises.
• To evaluate pain control and disability improvement in individuals with CLBP and DS.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 92 participants over 50 years old with CLBP and DS.
• Participants were randomized to either lumbar stabilization or flexion exercises.
• A 6-month intervention with 6 physical therapy sessions and daily home exercises, with outcomes measured at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found between the groups for lumbar pain, radicular pain, Oswestry Disability Index, or Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores.
• Mean differences between groups were not statistically significant for primary and secondary pain and disability outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Flexion exercises are not inferior to lumbar stabilization exercises for managing pain and disability in individuals with CLBP and DS.
• Both exercise approaches yield similar positive outcomes for this patient population.