Effect of gluteus medius strengthening on pain perception, functional disability and quality of life in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain.
1 Department of Physiotherapy, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja Lagos Nigeria.
2 Department of Physiotherapy, College Of Medicine, University Of Lagos, Idi-Araba Lagos Nigeria.
3 Department of Physiotherapy Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2020, 05(03), 018-024
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2020.5.3.0047
Publication history:
Received on 17 February 2020; revised on 04 March 2020; accepted on 06 March 2020
Abstract:
Low back pain (LBP) poses a serious challenge worldwide to the health care system. Therapeutic exercises are considered one of the major interventions for decreasing pain and increasing self-efficacy. Gluteus Medius muscle has been found to be weak and tender in patients with Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain (LBP). This study therefore aimed to establish the effect of Gluteus Medius strengthening on pain, functional disability, quality of life and physical activity of individuals with NSCLBP. Fifty (50) individuals with NSCLBP were recruited from two hospitals in Lagos State Nigeria. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: Participants in group one received stabilization exercises, while participants in group two received gluteus Medius strengthening exercises in addition to stabilization exercises. Measurement of pain, functional disability, quality of life and physical activity were measured using the Numerical rating scale, Oswestry disability index, SF-36 questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire respectively at baseline, 4th week and 8th week post intervention. Independent t-test was used to compare the variables between the groups and repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare variables within the groups at 95% confident interval. Findings from this study revealed improved clinical outcomes in all variables in the two groups post intervention (p<0.05) for pain, functional disability and physical activity respectively, group one (0.005, 0.001, 0.000) group two (0.001, 0.004, 0.000). However, there was statistically significant difference between the groups. Participants in group two had better clinical outcome at the end of the 4th week of treatment. There was decreased pain intensity (p<0.001), increased functional ability (p<0.001), increased physical activity (p<0.02) and improved quality of life (0.00, 0.01, 0.00, 0.01) respectively. All participants had improved clinical outcomes at the end of 8th week post intervention, however those in group two had better improvement by the end of 4th week of treatment. Hence, combined stabilization exercise and Gluteus Medius strengthening may be preferred as it brought about improvement at reduced treatment sessions. It is recommended that Physical Therapists should always assess the strength of the gluteus medius muscle in patients with NSCLBP, and strengthen the muscle when weakness is noticed.
Keywords:
Non-specific chronic low back pain; Gluteus Medius strengthening; Functional disability; Quality of life; Physical activity.
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