Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercise and Chronic Lumbar Disc Herniation: Effects on Pain, Mobility, and Trunk...

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of an 8-week Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercise program on pain intensity, lumbar range of motion, functional disability, and trunk muscle endurance in women with chronic lumbar disc herniation.

A total of 30 women aged 30-40 years with chronic lumbar disc herniation (L4-L5 or L5-S1, pain duration ≥ 3 months, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) 3-7) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15), performing DNS exercises (45-60 min, 3 times/week for 8 weeks), or a control group (n = 15), continuing routine physical activity (self-directed walking/light stretching). Pain intensity was measured using the VAS, lumbar range of motion using the modified Schober test, functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and trunk muscle endurance using the McGill endurance test. Data were analyzed using Paired and independent t-tests to assess within- and between-group differences (SPSS v25, p < 0.05).

The control group showed no significant changes (p > 0.05). In contrast, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in all outcome variables (p < 0.05). Postintervention comparisons revealed significant between-group differences favoring the experimental group across all measures (p < 0.007). Pain intensity decreased by 4.0 (95% CI: -4.5 to -3.5), lumbar range of motion increased by 5.0 cm (95% CI: 4.2 to 5.8), functional disability decreased by 26.2 (95% CI: -29.1 to -23.3), and trunk flexor endurance increased by 24.4 s (95% CI: 20.1 to 28.7).

An 8-week DNS program significantly reduced pain, improved lumbar mobility, decreased functional disability, and enhanced trunk muscle endurance in women with chronic lumbar disc herniation, suggesting its potential as an effective rehabilitation strategy.