ThemFis_Vol 7_Issue 2_Apr-Jun 2011_45-58
The Effect of a Core Stability Program on the Functional Capacity of Patients with Chronic Recurrent Low Back Pain
Konstantinos Fousekis, Christos Kioses, Maria Kiassou, Elias Tsepis
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Core stability exercise is a common means of treatment for low back pain patients. The aim of the current study was to assess whether a home-based core stability exercise program can improve the functional capacity of patients with chronic LBP of mechanical origin.
Methods. The specific 2-month duration program, consisted of 3 specific core-stability exercises, performed in 3 sets each, 3 times per week. Each exercise stressed the lumbar spine musculature in a different plane, ensuring a total 3-dimentional effect. The experimental group comprising of 22 patients (15 male, 7 female), underwent 2 reassessments at 1 and 2 months. The effectiveness of the intervention was tested against a control group (N=22),via the Rolland Morris Disability Questioner (RMDQ) and the Οswestry Disability Index (ODI).
Results. The experimental group showed a significant improvement in both 1-month and 2-months re-assessments both for the RMDQ and OQ scores (F=13.48; p=0.00 and F=8.55; p=0.001, respectively. Additionally, both scores were significantly improved in the 2-month assessment compared to the control group.
Conclusions. The home-based dynamic core stability program improved the functional status of the chronic LBP patients in our study, probably due to the enhancement of the stabilizing potential and load dissipation capacity of the muscles in the torso. Further research could aim in testing the effectiveness of this program, to patients with different demographic characteristics and other types of LBP, as well as to evaluate the persistency of functional improvement through time and define its minimal dosage required to preserve those adaptations.
ThemFis_Vol 7_Issue 2_Apr-Jun 2011_59-68
Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis- Evidence Based Exercise Therapy
Evangelia Kalogirou, Marie Moutzouri, Sofia Georgiou, Athanasia Trachalaki
ABSTRACT
Post-menopausal osteoporosis is one of the biggest causes of morbidity in women and is found in 45% of them worldwide. The implications of menopause in the female body along with the hormonal changes are essential to be understood. During this period, signs of osteoporosis, a pathology of gradual deterioration of the bone, affecting bone architecture due to reduction in oestrogen production becomes more evident. Physiotherapy assessment is based on subjective and objective clinical signs, which in many cases with osteoporosis remain asymptomatic. For the management of these patients, several methods have been investigated for their effectiveness including aerobics and strengthening exercises, with or without medication or hormonal supplements. Physiotherapeutic interventions are found to improve flexibility, balance and aerobic capacity by utilising alternative methods of exercise such as yoga. Clinical studies provide evidence that the combination of low resistance strengthening
exercises and medication is better than isolated exercise or medication. Aim of the current review is to discuss relevant studies and propose evidence-based methods, from a physiotherapeutic point of view for the management of post-menopausal osteoporotic women.