Effect of Global Postural Reeducation Exercise on Pain and Hip Muscle Flexibility in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain and Movement Control Dysfunction

Patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) and movement control dysfunction demonstrate alternation in hip muscles flexibility and spinal movement patterns. Therapeutic modalities that augment hip muscles flexibility could help these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of global postural reeducation (GPR) on pain and hip muscle flexibility in patients with NSLBP and movement control dysfunction.

A total of 27 men with a mean age of 31.21 ± 2.5147 years, height of 166.44 ± 6.11 cm, and weight of 64.21 ± 5.25 kg participated in this study. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain. The flexibility of hip muscles (rectus femoris, tensor fasciae latae, external rotators and hamstring) was measured using universal goniometer. All data were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. The Shapiro-Wilk test and paired t test were used for statistical analysis at significance level of P = 0.05.

Our results revealed a decline in pain (P < 0.004) and an increase in the flexibility of the hamstring muscles in the right (P < 0.003) and left (P < 0.003) legs. There were no statistically significant differences in the flexibility of rectus femoris muscle, external rotators, and tensor fasciae latae.

The results suggest that GPR had a significant effect on the level of pain. Further, it affected the flexibility of hamstring muscles in legs. Using GPR is recommended for pain relief and improving the flexibility of hamstring muscles in patients with NSLBP.