Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization and Aquatic Exercises on the Pain, Disability, Lumbopelvic Control, and Spinal Posture of Patients With Non-specific Low Back Pain

Using an exercise intervention to improve lumbopelvic control (LPC) can enhance the pain severity and disability of participants with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). The present study aimed to compare dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises and common aquatic exercises (AEs) in terms of improving the pain, disability, LPC, and spinal posture of patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP).

This single-blind controlled clinical trial was conducted on 45 subjects who were randomly divided into three groups, such as DNS (n=15), AEs (n=15), and control (n=15). LPC, spinal posture, pain severity, and disability were assessed in pretest and six weeks after the intervention by pressure biofeedback, a spinal mouse device, the visual analog scale (VAS), and the Oswestry disability questionnaire, respectively. No intervention was implemented for the control group. 

No significant differences were observed between the study groups regarding the impact of the interventions on improving pain and disability (P>0.05). In addition, no significant difference was observed between the AEs and DNS groups regarding the improvement of LPC disorders (P>0.05). The spinal inclination angle (P=0.03) and inclination of range of motion (P=0.05) were significantly improved only by the AEs.

According to the results, the DNS exercises and AEs had no significant differences in terms of impact on the improvement of pain, disability, and LPC. Therefore, proper alternatives can be used to enhance such dysfunctions in case of a lack of access to pools and hydrotherapy pools.