The effects of lumbar stabilization exercise on transversus abdominis muscle activation capacity and function in low back pain patients

OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises on pain intensity, transversus abdominis (TrA) activation capacity, functional disability, and TrA thickness in patients with low back pain (LBP). METHODS: The subjects of this study were 30 LBP patients. The experimental group performed diverse lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE) in different postures, and the control group conducted an ordinary trunk muscle strengthening exercise (TSE). All interventions were conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks. RESULTS: Significant differences between LSE and TSE groups were shown in the pain intensity, TrA activation capacity, and functional disability after the intervention (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between LSE and TSE groups in TrA thickness. CONCLUSION: This study provides clinical evidence that LSE for LBP patients is more effective than TSE in improving pain intensity, functional disability, and TrA activation capacity.