Effect of Lumbo-Pelvic Rehabilitation on Pain Intensity in Patients with Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Ali  Yalfani; Masoud  Azizian; Maryam  Bashiri; Mehrane  Azizpour

doi:10.18502/ssu.v33i8.20046

Ali Yalfani Department of Exercise Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
Masoud Azizian Department of Exercise Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
Maryam Bashiri Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Mehrane Azizpour Department of Exercise Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v33i8.20046

Keywords: Quality of life, Rehabilitation, Pain intensity, Disability, Chronic non-specific back pain.

Abstract

Introduction: Severe pain is a a critical factor in reducing the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain. Therefore, the review study aimed to investigate the effect of lumbar-pelvic exercises on pain intensity in the patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Methods: The present study was a systematic review carried out following the guidelines established by PRISMA. A search for English-language articles limited to the period 2000-2025 was conducted using the scientific databases Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus Since direct, and Google scholar. In addition, a Persian search was performed in the scientific databases of the Scientific Information Database of the Magiran, Irandoc, and Alamnet from April 2011 to March 2024. The extracted articles were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Pedro index.

Results: Following the search and review of the studies, a total of 12 studies were finally selected to examine the results. Out of the 12 selected studies, 8 were rated high quality and 4 moderate quality according to the Pedro index. The selected studies had strengths in the random assignment of participants and the quality of their reporting. Three studies reported that lumbo-pelvic exercises reduced pain intensity more than strength, stretching, and general physiotherapy exercises. Additionally, combined exercises (lumbopelvic exercises combined with Pilates and lumbopelvic exercises combined with neuromuscular proprioception facilitation exercises) showed a decreased in pain intensity.

Conclusion: In the patients suffering from chronic nonspecific low back pain, pain intensity is a crucial clinical factor in improving rehabilitation. This review study showed that lumbopelvic exercises and combined lumbopelvic exercises effectively reduce pain intensity in the patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. This protocol is advised for physicians and physiotherapists to rehabilitate patients suffering from chronic nonspecific low back pain.