The effect of core stability exercises versus general exercises in non-specific chronic low back pain

Abstract

Background and Aims: Low Back Pain is one of the major current concerns in health care, with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) being the most common. Evidence supports the use of exercise in the treatment of NSCLBP, but there is no consensus as to which exercise protocol i3 more effective. The aim of this dissertation was to compare the effectiveness of two exercise pro to cols on NSCLBP. This was done by searching for and appraising studies which were relevant to the following PICO question: In adults with non-specific chronic low back pain, how do core stability exercises compared to general exercises, affect pain and function? Method: An electronic search was conducted for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs ), which specified NSCLBP in adults, compared core stability exercises (CSEs) to general exercises (GEs) and which included pain and functional disability in their outcomes. Only studies in English were included. Six RCTs were found which matched the four components of the PICO question. These were appraised using the PEDro methodology scale with some additional points from the CASP checklist. Results: Both exercise protocols were found to be beneficial for patients with NSCLBP. Two studies found statistically significant and marginally significant beneficial results respectively favouring CSE over GE, and four studies found no significant difference in outcomes between the two protocols. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that CSEs and GEs are equally effective in reducing pain and disability in adults with NSCLBP. However, more research is needed where there is sub-classification of NSCLBP and where the exercise protocols are standardised. Exploring which exercise benefits which subgroup, will improve the effectiveness of treatment and further guide clinical practice.