MEDICINA SPORTIVA - Journal of Romanian Sports Medicine Society

Comparative effects of muscle energy technique and core stability exercise in the management of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain

This study examined the effect of muscle energy technique (MET) and core stability exercise (CSE) on pain, functional disability, and lumbar range of motion in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain.
Material and Method. This study involved 69 non-specific chronic low back patients. They were randomly assigned into four different groups using computer generated numbers. Group 1 received MET, group 2 received CSE, group 3 received MET and CSE and group 4 served as control that received stretching exercise and back care advice. Assessment of pain, functional disability, lumbar range of motion (LROM) were done using visual analogue scale (VAS), modified Oswestry disability questionnaire (MODQ), modified Schober’s method, respectively at baseline, end of 4th and 8th week post intervention. Data was analysed using statistical package for social science version 20. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results. Findings from this study revealed an improved clinical outcome - pain, functional disability, lumbar range of motion of the four groups post intervention (p ≤ 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference between groups. Combination of MET and CSE group produced better clinical outcome in pain, functional disability and ROM (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion. All participants had improved outcomes following intervention. However the use of both MET and CSE is clinically more beneficial compared to MET alone and CSE alone.