Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercises using a Traction Force Sensor on the Balance Ability, Muscle Tone, Pain Intensity, and ODI(Oswestry Disability Index) in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Objective: We investigated the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises using a tensile force sensor on dynamic and static balance, muscle tone, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and pain intensity in patients with chronic low back pain. Design: A randomized control trial Methods: Ten adults with chronic back pain participated in this study. Participants were sorted via a randomization program into a tensile force sensor-assisted lumbar stabilization exercise group (n=5) or aconventional lumbar stabilization exercise group (n = 5). All participants performed training twice per week, for five weeks. To compare efficacy of regimens, static balance, dynamic balance, muscle tone, ODI, and pain intensity were measured before and after training. Results: The tensile force sensor-assisted lumbar stabilization exercise program group showed significant improvements in static balance (p<0.05), dynamic balance (p<0.01), muscle tone (p<0.01), ODI score (p<0.01), and pain intensity (p<0.01). The conventional lumbar stabilization exercise group also showed improvements in static balance (p<0.01), dynamic balance (p<0.01), muscle tone (p<0.01), ODI (p<0.01), and pain intensity (p<0.01). Inter-group differences attributable to intervention method included static balance (p<0.05), dynamic balance (p<0.01), muscle tone (external oblique muscle p<0.05, gluteus medius, p<0.01), ODI (p<0.05), and pain intensity (p<0.05). Conclusions: Lumbar stabilization exercises incorporating a tensile force sensor can enhance efficacy in improving static and dynamic balance, reducing muscle tone and pain, and enhancing functional performance in patients with chronic low back pain. These exercises may offer a valuable therapeutic approach for managing chronic low back pain.