Added effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on functional ability and trunk muscle endurance in chronic low back pain patients

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to determine added effect PNF on trunk muscle endurance and functional ability using trunk muscle endurance test and Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire.

Methodology

40 subjects with Chronic mechanical low back pain were selected and were randomly allocated into experimental and control groups. Subjects were assessed on measures of trunk muscle endurance and oswstry low back pain disability questionnaire score prior to and after 3 weeks of intervention. The intervention in the experimental group included PNF (COI) with conventional treatment and control group included only conventional treatment for, 3 times/week for 3weeks.

Results

In the inter-group comparison conducted through arch index values, experimental group showed significant increase in trunk extensor endurance. Among intra-group comparison, both the groups showed significant increase in trunk flexion and extension endurance with significant decrease in oswetry score.

Conclusion

In the present study, it could be seen that PNF technique showed significant improvement in trunk extension endurance in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain. Therefore it has got an added effect in trunk extension endurance.