A pilot study on the short-term effects of myofascial release and core stability exercises on balance in chronic low back pain

Abstract

Background and Aim: Balance disorders are among common complications of chronic low back pain (LBP). Since the tissue and echo­genicity of thoracolumbar fascia changes in chro­nic LBP, the independent motion of fascia layers would negatively alter, and it may affect the con­trol of spine movements. It has been shown that myofascial release (MFR) improves the function of transversus abdominis as a core muscle in LBP. So, MFR may affect the balance and pos­tural control in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of MFR and core stability (CS) exercises on dyna­mic balance and pain in women with chronic non-specific LBP.

Methods: In this pilot study, with a pretest-posttest design, 10 females aged 30 ± 9.04 parti­cipated. The participants received one session of MFR on thoracolumbar fascia and CS exercises. The outcome measures were dynamic balance by Y balance test (YBT) and pain with visual ana­logue scale (VAS), which were assessed before and immediately after the intervention.

Results: Dynamic balance improved signifi­cantly (p < 0.02) after intervention. The VAS as an indicator of pain intensity showed significant improvement (p = 0.005).

Conclusion: The application of MFR plus CS exercises for a single session is effective in improving dynamic balance and pain in women with chronic non-specific LBP.

Keywords: Dynamic balance; core stability; low back pain; myofascial release