Effects of stabilization exercises on health-related quality of life in women with chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The study examined the effects of a 4-week intensive isometric and isotonic stabilization exercise program on dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in women with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: A total of 39 women (27-72 years old) provided data in an experimental study with a 9-month follow-up. Random allocation was undertaken for the two treatment groups out of the 3 groups: isometric stabilization (n = 13), isotonic stabilization (n = 13), and a control group (n = 13) that did not participate in any form of exercise. Health-related quality of life measures using the Short-Form 36 Health Survey were assessed before program initiation, immediately after program termination, and 4 times postintervention for a period of 9 months. RESULTS: The isometric stabilization group displayed large improvements in bodily pain and vitality for women with CLBP attending a 4-week intensive isometric stabilization exercise program. The effects were retained for a period of 9 months after program termination. CONCLUSIONS: Isometric stabilization exercises reduce pain and enhance vitality as dimensions of HRQL among women with chronic low back pain with such effects lasting for at least 9 months.

Sequentially allocated clinical trial of rhythmic stabilization exercises and TENS in women with chronic low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of rhythmic stabilization exercises and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and their combination in treating women with chronic low back pain. DESIGN: Sequentially allocated, single-blinded and controlled study, with a two-month follow-up. SETTING: The data were collected in a patient rehabilitation setting. SUBJECTS: A total of 92 women (34-46 years old) with chronic low back pain were studied. INTERVENTIONS: Sequential allocation was undertaken into four groups: ;rhythmic stabilization' (n=23), ;rhythmic stabilization - TENS' (n=23), TENS (n=23), and a placebo group (n = 23). Each programme lasted for four weeks. All outcome measures were assessed prior to, immediately after, four weeks and eight weeks post intervention. MAIN MEASURES: Data were obtained on functional disability, pain intensity, trunk extension range of motion, dynamic endurance of trunk flexion and static endurance of trunk extension. RESULTS: A total of 88 patients provided two-month follow-up data. The ;rhythmic stabilization' and the ;rhythmic stabilization - TENS' groups displayed statistically significant (P<0.05) improvements in functional disability and pain intensity (ranging from 21.2 to 42.8%), trunk extension range of motion (ranging from 6.5 to 25.5%), dynamic endurance of trunk flexion and static endurance of trunk extension (ranging from 13.5 to 74.3%) compared with the remaining groups. CONCLUSIONS: The rhythmic stabilization programmes resulted in more gains in women with chronic low back pain regarding the present outcome variables compared with the other groups; therefore, its application in female chronic low back pain patients aged 34-46 years is recommended.

Ankle sprain injuries and risk factors in amateur soccer players during a 2-year period.

BACKGROUND: Although ankle sprains are common in soccer, the role of various risk factors in amateur soccer players is unclear. PURPOSE: To identify the incidence of ankle sprain injuries, associated time loss of participation, and risk factors during two consecutive seasons in amateur players. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: Of 336 athletes enrolled in the study, 312 male amateur soccer players were observed during a 2-year period. Ankle sprain injury incidents, participation time loss, injury mechanisms, ankle region injured, and other risk factors were recorded in games and practice sessions using questionnaires. RESULTS: During the study 208 ankle injuries were recorded, of which 139 were ankle sprains. These led to 975 sessions lost (on average, 7 lost sessions per injury). Most incidents (80.6%) were contact injuries, occurring mostly in defenders. Injury rates were equal between games and practice, while 61.1% of injuries were observed toward the end of each half of the game (P < .05). The injury incidence rate was higher during the first 2 months of the season as opposed to the last month (P < .05). Multinomial logistic regression showed that previous ankle sprain (P < .05) is a significant predictor of ankle sprain injury. CONCLUSION: Ankle sprain injuries in amateur soccer players are primarily contact injuries, occurring mainly in defenders and during both games and practice. It appears that more injuries occur in players with previous ankle injury. Injury rates are higher toward the end of a game and chiefly occur during the first 2 months of the season.