Effects of a Strengthening Program for Lower Back in Older Women with Chronic Low Back Pain

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify effects of a strengthening program for the lower back in older women with chronic low back pain. METHODS: The research design was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest experiment. The experimental group consisted of 16 older women and the control group, 14, all of whom had experienced low back pain for at least 3 months. The strengthening program for the lower back included lumbar stabilization exercises and education on pain management in daily living. For an 8 week period, exercises were done 3 days a week and on one day education was also given. RESULTS: Pain and disability scores decreased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. Flexibility, life satisfaction and lumbar muscle strength scores increased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Low back pain and disability can be relieved, and flexibility, muscle strength, and life satisfaction increased through a program to strengthen the lower back. It is suggested that a program to strengthen the lower back would be an effective nursing intervention for older women with low back pain.