J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2015 Apr 16. [Epub ahead of print]
Effects of core stability exercises on multifidus muscles in healthy women and women with chronic low-back pain.
Kliziene I, Sipaviciene S, Klizas S, Imbrasiene D.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Chronic low-back pain (LBP) may be related to decreased lumbar multifidus muscle cross-sectional area (CSA).
OBJECTIVE:
In this study, core stabilization exercises were designed to enhance neuromuscular control and correct multifidus dysfunction.
METHODS:
The subjects were healthy women (n=11) and women with chronic LBP (n=17). Lumbar multifidus muscle CSAs were measured by ultrasonography. Tests were carried out before training exercises for lumbar stability, and again 4 months and 8 months after training.
RESULTS:
In women with LBP, the mean multifidus muscle CSA increased by 22% on the right side and 23% on the left side after 8 months of lumbar stabilization training, compared with baseline measurements. In healthy women, mean multifidus muscle CSA increased by 24% on the right side and 23% on the left side, compared with baseline values.
CONCLUSIONS:
A core stabilization exercise program significantly increased multifidus muscle CSAs in both healthy women and women with chronic LBP.