Evaluation of the effects of a novel exercise program in the treatment of low back pain in women working in a seated position: A randomized trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) in sedentary workers is an increasing problem. Hyperlordosis or hypolordosis of the lumbar spine may be one of the causes of LBP. Various exercise programs are used in the prevention of LBP, but they do not consider individualization for diagnosed hyperlordosis or hypolordosis of the lumbar spine. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the authors’ original exercise program aimed at reducing hyperlordosis or increasing hypolordosis. METHODS: Sixty women aged 26 to 40 working in a sedentary position participated in the study. The sagittal curvature and the range of motion of the lumbar spine flexion were measured with the Saunders inclinometer, and the level of LBP was evaluated using the VAS scale. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups that participated in a 3-month exercise program developed by the authors. The first group performed exercises adjusted to the diagnosed hyperlordosis or hypolordosis, and the second group performed the same exercises regardless of the lumbar lordosis angle. The study was conducted again after completing the exercises. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p< 0.0001) in the level of pain, with better results in the group where individualized exercise was used – 60% of the participants reported complete absence of LBP. The lumbar lordosis angle was within normal limits in 97% of the subjects in the first group, and in 47% of the subjects in the second group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm the validity of using individualized exercises with regard to diagnosed hyperlordosis or hypolordosis of the lumbar spine in order to achieve better analgesic and postural correction effects.