Effect of hip extensor strength training on pain and functions in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: experimental study

Chronic nonspecific low back pain accounts for a significant percentage of all the back injuries encountered in young adults. Symptomatic treatment interventions have resulted in recurring pain. Pain avoidance behavior and Deconditioning of the gluteus maximus affects ADL’s. Hence this study was carried out to see the effect of hip extensor strength training on pain and functions in chronic nonspecific low back pain. The aim of this study was to find out if Hip extensors strength training had an effect on pain and functions. The study objective was to evaluate pre and post pain intensity, functional status, strength and endurance of hip extensors using VAS, ODI, 1RM and time in seconds respectively. Comparison of pre and post outcome measures was performed to see effect of hip extensor strength training. 40 participants with chronic nonspecific low back pain meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after taking their informed consent. Each Participant’s Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, bilateral Hip Extensor muscle strength (1RM) and endurance time (in seconds) was noted. They were then allocated in two groups by means of a computer generated randomized table where one group received general trunk exercises and hip extensor strength training while the other group received only general trunk exercises. Intervention was given for 6 weeks, thrice a week. Outcome measures were assessed at the end of 6 weeks. Results and Conclusion: Hip extensor strength training had added improvements in functional status with no significant difference in pain.