Stabilization exercise compared to general exercises or manual therapy for the management of low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Mansueto Gomes-Neto¹, Jordana Moura Lopes², Cristiano Sena Conceição², Anderson Araujo², Alécio Brasileiro³, Camila Sousa², Vitor Oliveira Carvalho⁴, Fabio Luciano Arcanjo²

Affiliations

PMID: 27707631
DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.08.004

Abstract

Aim: We performed a systematic review with a meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of stabilization exercises versus general exercises or manual therapy in patients with low back pain.

Design: We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Controlled Trials, Scielo, and CINAHL (from the earliest date available to November 2014) for randomized controlled trials that examined the efficacy of stabilization exercises compared to general exercises or manual therapy on pain, disability, and function in patients with low back pain. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria (413 stabilization exercises patients, 297 general exercises patients, and 185 manual therapy patients). Stabilization exercises may provide greater benefit than general exercise for pain reduction and improvement in disability. Stabilization exercise improved pain with a WMD of -1.03 (95% CI: -1.29 to -0.27) and improved disability with a WMD of -5.41 (95% CI: -8.34 to -2.49). There were no significant differences in pain and disability scores among participants in the stabilization exercise group compared to those in the manual therapy group.

Conclusions: Stabilization exercises were as efficacious as manual therapy in decreasing pain and disability and should be encouraged as part of musculoskeletal rehabilitation for low back pain.

Keywords: Disability; Low back pain; Meta-analysis; Stabilization exercises.

CORE Omaha Explains..

CORE Physical therapy and sports Performance PC, in Omaha Ne

By Dr. Mark Rathjen PT DPT CSCS

The above article is meta analysis of manual therapy vs stabilization in the treatment of low back pain disorders, Total size of Meta analysis was 473 patients in total.

” Stabilization exercises were as efficacious as manual therapy in decreasing pain and disability and should be encouraged as part of musculoskeletal rehabilitation for low back pain.” The conclusion of the article is very positive and concise for the efficacy of stabilization exercises for the lumbar spine.

What does this all mean for you?

Clearly this outlines the need for stabilization exercises for long term health of your lower back and spine. Overall, manual therapy is a great too to increase range of motion, and decrease pain. It also serves as way to keep better overall mechanics of the spine. Just as important is the stabilization component, and learning of how to stabilize your spine, while also making it stronger to support larger loads and some off loaded awkward motions as well.

Choosing a physical therapist who specializes in movement, strength and conditioning and sports. Overall, Its important to incorporate a full transition to all types of sports specific training, stabilization and off axis loading work for the lumber spine.

CORE Physical Therapy and Sports Performance specializes in CORE mobility, stability and mechanics, We also consider theses the 3 pillars of injury prevention.