Effects of combined trunk stretching and lumbar stabilization exercises for chronic non-specific low back pain: a...

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of combining trunk stretching with lumbar segmental stabilization versus exclusively performing lumbar segmental stabilization exercises for treating chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). Thirty-four CNLBP subjects were randomized into two groups: active trunk stretching + lumbar segmental stabilization (AS+LSS, n=17) and placebo stretching + lumbar segmental stabilization (PS+LSS, n=17). One-hour sessions were performed twice a week for six weeks. Pain intensity, pain quality, functional disability, global impression of recovery, emotional state, symptoms, and adverse effects were assessed at baseline, after 6 weeks, and at 12 and 24 weeks follow-up. Both groups experienced significant reductions in pain intensity and functional disability after the intervention. Depression and anxiety showed significant improvements during the intervention but did not persist at follow-up. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for the studied variables. The study concluded that both protocols are beneficial for CNLBP patients, suggesting that lumbar segmental stabilization exercises alone are sufficient for reducing pain and functional disability.