Ann Rehabil Med.  2018 Feb;42(1):59-66. 10.5535/arm.2018.42.1.59.

Effects of Lumbar Strengthening Exercise in Lower-Limb Amputees With Chronic Low Back Pain

• Shin MK
• Yang HS
• Yang HE
• Kim DH
• Ahn BR
• Kwon H
• Lee JH
• Jung S
• Choi HC
• Yun SK
• Ahn DY
• Sim WS

• KMID: 2440970
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2018.42.1.59

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To analyze the effect of lumbar strengthening exercise in lower-limb amputees with chronic low back pain.
METHODS
We included in this prospective study 19 lower-limb amputees who had experienced low back pain for longer than 6 months. Participants were treated with 30-minute lumbar strengthening exercises, twice weekly, for 8 weeks. We used the visual analog scale (VAS), and Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire, and measured parameters such as iliopsoas length, abdominal muscle strength, back extensor strength, and back extensor endurance. In addition, we assessed the isometric peak torque and total work of the trunk flexors and extensors using isokinetic dynamometer. The pre- and post-exercise measurements were compared.
RESULTS
Compared with the baseline, abdominal muscle strength (from 4.4±0.7 to 4.8±0.6), back extensor strength (from 2.6±0.6 to 3.5±1.2), and back extensor endurance (from 22.3±10.7 to 46.8±35.1) improved significantly after 8 weeks. The VAS decreased significantly from 4.6±2.2 to 2.6±1.6 after treatment. Furthermore, the peak torque and total work of the trunk flexors and extensors increased significantly (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Lumbar strengthening exercise in lower-limb amputees with chronic low back pain resulted in decreased pain and increased lumbar extensor strength. The lumbar strengthening exercise program is very effective for lower-limb amputees with chronic low back pain.

Keyword

Amputation; Low back pain; Exercise; Muscle strength; Rehabilitation

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Muscles
Amputation
Amputees*
Exercise
Humans
Low Back Pain*
Muscle Strength
Prospective Studies
Rehabilitation
Torque
Visual Analog Scale

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Lumbar strengthening exercises.

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