Abstract

Background. Although current Lumbar Stabilization Exercises (LSEs) is beneficial for chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP), further research is recommended focusing on normalizing sagittal lumbopelvic alignment. Subjects with forward head posture (FHP) possibly have a problem with the regulation of static upright posture.

Purpose. This study was conducted to determine the effects of adding FHP correction to LSEs on pain, functions and lumbopelvic sagittal alignment in CMLBP patients.

Materials and Methods. Forty adult patients with CMLBP and FHP were assigned into one of two groups. Group A received FHP correction exercises in addition to LSEs for 12 weeks, while group B received only lumber stabilization for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was lumber lordosis (LL). Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, back specific physical functioning, cranio-vertebral angle (CVA), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), and sacral slope (SS). Patients were assessed pre and post treatment by an assessor blinded to the patients’ allocation. Reported data was analyzed by Mixed-model-MANOVA.

Results. MANOVA indicated a significant group-by-time interaction (P= 0.00, Partial η2= 0.65). LL, Pain, and SS were reduced in group A more than B. Physical function, CVA, and PT were increased in A when compared to B. There was no significant group-by-time interaction for PI. Within-group comparisons revealed significant differences for all measured variables in both groups except for CVA and PI in the control one.

Conclusion. The addition of FHP correction to LSEs for management of CMLBP seemed to positively affect pain, functioning, and lumbopelvic organization.

Key words:

Exercises, Low Back Pain, Posture, Stabilization