Affiliations: [a] Department of Education Science, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania | [b] Department of Applied Biology and Rehabilitation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania | [c] Department of Health Psychology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Irina Kliziene, Department of Education Science, Kaunas University of Technology, A. Mickeviciaus str. 37, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania. Tel.: +370 37 453511; Fax: +370 37 453511; E-mail:[email protected]
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Chronic low-back pain (LBP) may be related to decreased
lumbar multifidus muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). OBJECTIVE: In this study, core stabilization exercises were
designed to enhance neuromuscular control and correct multifidus
dysfunction. METHODS: The subjects were healthy women (n = 11) and women with
chronic LBP (n = 17). Lumbar multifidus muscle CSAs were measured by
ultrasonography. Tests were carried out before training exercises for lumbar
stability, and again 4 months and 8 months after training. RESULTS: In women with LBP, the mean multifidus muscle CSA
increased by 22% on the right side and 23% on the left side after 8
months of lumbar stabilization training, compared with baseline
measurements. In healthy women, mean multifidus muscle CSA increased by
24% on the right side and 23% on the left side, compared with baseline
values. CONCLUSIONS: A core stabilization exercise program significantly
increased multifidus muscle CSAs in both healthy women and women with
chronic LBP.
