Only SOME Need Stabilization Exercises!

Only SOME Need Stabilization Exercises!

Reference:Teyhen DS, et al Arthrokinematics in a Subgroup of Patients Likely to Benefit From a Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program. Phys Ther. 2007 Feb 20; [Epub ahead of print]

Over the past 10 years, lumbar stabilization exercises have dramatically grown in popularity, everything from the Australian models, Stuart McGill concepts, Shirley Sahrmann concepts, Pilate’s concepts, Swiss Ball exercises, etc. etc.

Contrary to the common belief, stabilization exercises may NOT be effective for EVERYONE with mechanical low back pain! This 2007 study further showed that there is a definite subgroup of individuals with low back pain that primarily benefit from stabilization exercises.

The characteristics are referred to as “Clinical Prediction Rules” (CPR), meaning that if patients have these specific clinical characteristics, they would likely positively respond and if they do not have the characteristics, they would be significantly less likely to respond!

This study analyzed spinal motion, using digital fluoroscopic video, of subjects with low back pain who had the CPR, then compared them to healthy individuals.

For the first time, they have found that this subgroup of patients had a disorder in timing of angular or linear displacement during mid-range movements. It is important to realize that this does NOT mean hypermobility, but poor control & timing!

To learn more about Clinical Prediction Rules, visit www.aptei.com ‘clinical library’ and search for “clinical prediction”.

Posted on: March 07, 2007

Categories: Lumbar Spine