Active stabilisation training in a group exercise class: a pilot study

Date
2014-03-24
Authors
Jacobs, Lorraine Eleanor
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Abstract
There is evidence that exercise is beneficial for patients who suffer from low back pain. Clinical observation suggests that there is often poor compliance with individual exercise programmes. Regular group exercise classes may improve patient compliance, and therefore good outcomes in these patients. An observational study was performed on participants in a group exercise programme for the rehabilitation of lumbar stability. Six patients, 2 male and 4 female, aged 30-60, who had suffered more than two episodes of low back pain during the past two years agreed to participate in the study. The holding capacity of transversus abdotninus as an indicator of deep abdominal muscle function was measured. The subjects performed a self-assessment of pain, disability, handicap and well being. All these measurements were repeated on three occasions - before commencement of the exercise classes, after one month’s participation and after three month’s participation. A follow-up postal questionnaire was completed after one year. All these measurements showed trends of improvement during the study. ,v This study supports the use of a group class for active stabilisation training of the lumbar spine. The results justify the establishment of a randomised controlled study to provide more conclusive evidence.
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Thesis (M.Sc. (Physiotherapy))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Medicine, 1999.
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