This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of an exercise program by measuring
changes in static balance and gait patterns through the intervention of lumbar stabilization
exercises and balance exercises in sedentary individuals with chronic low bac...
This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of an exercise program by measuring
changes in static balance and gait patterns through the intervention of lumbar stabilization
exercises and balance exercises in sedentary individuals with chronic low back pain who do
not have degenerative spinal diseases.
A total of 20 sedentary individuals diagnosed with chronic low back pain were randomly
divided into groups by assigning numbers. Odd-numbered participants underwent pre-tests
for static and dynamic plantar pressure, followed by lumbar stabilization exercises, after
which post-tests were conducted. After 24 hours, they performed balance exercises, followed
by post-tests for static and dynamic plantar pressure. Even-numbered participants followed
the reverse sequence of exercises and tests. The static plantar pressure test was measured
once, followed by three repetitions after taking three steps in place. The dynamic plantar
pressure test involved walking alternately forward and backward using equipment for a total
of three repeated measurements.
All data were processed using IBM SPSS statistical software (ver.27), calculating the
mean (M) and standard deviation (SD) for each group and measurement period. A paired ttest was conducted to verify the significance of mean differences between the groups and
pre-post test points. The level of statistical significance was set at (p <.05).
The results of this study are as follows:
1. Lumbar stabilization exercises significantly reduced both static and dynamic plantar
pressure ratios, with statistically significant changes in plantar pressure (p <.001).
2. Balance exercises significantly reduced both static and dynamic plantar pressure
ratios, with statistically significant changes in plantar pressure (p <.001).
3. The static plantar pressure reduction effect of balance exercises was higher than that
of lumbar stabilization exercises, but the difference was not statistically significant
(p >.05).
4. The left foot's dynamic plantar pressure reduction effect of balance exercises was
higher than that of lumbar stabilization exercises, but the difference was not
statistically significant (p >.05).
5. The right foot's dynamic plantar pressure reduction effect of lumbar stabilization
exercises was higher than that of balance exercises, but the difference was not
statistically significant (p >.05).
Thus, the study confirmed improvements in static balance ability and gait patterns
through lumbar stabilization exercises and balance exercises. While statistically significant
differences were observed in the intra-group effects of the exercises, no significant
differences were found between the two exercise methods in terms of effectiveness. This
outcome may be attributed to the short-term nature of the intervention, which might not have
allowed sufficient time to observe strength gains that could result in differences in
effectiveness between the exercise methods.