Research Article

Effect of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises on activity of external oblique muscle in non-specific low back pain

Abstract

Background: The dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) core stabilization exercises have been used to improve core stability, but its effect on non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is still not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of DNS exercises on the electromyography (EMG) activity of the external oblique muscle in people with NSLBP.
Material and Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 44 people with chronic NSLBP were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group and the control group, with 22 participants in each group. The control group received standard physical therapy exercises, while the experimental group performed DNS exercises. Each group underwent an 8-week therapeutic exercise program, consisting of 5 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. Surface EMG was utilized to assess the core muscle activity of the external oblique. The EMG activity of the external oblique was measured in both groups before and after the 8-week interventions.
Results: Nineteen people in the control group and 21 in the DNS group were analyzed. The results showed that after the 8-week intervention, patients in the DNS group obtained, on average, an 8.82% (95% CI: 6.53 to 11.10) higher increase in the EMG activity of the external oblique muscle compared to the patients in the control group (P < 0.001, effect size: 0.622).
Conclusion: The use of DNS exercises can be recommended for improving the activation of superficial core muscle like external oblique in individuals with NSLBP.

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IssueArticles in Press QRcode
SectionResearch Article(s)
Keywords
Low back pain, Electromyography, Core stability, Exercise, Abdominal oblique muscles
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1.
Hosseini H, Rahimi A, Javanshir K, Taghipour M, Daryabor A, Naimi S-S. Effect of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises on activity of external oblique muscle in non-specific low back pain. jmr. 2024;(-).