Effects of Segmental Stabilization on the Anticipatory Postural Adjustment of Subjects With Lumbar Pain

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study aims to verify the effects of a segmental stabilization exercise program on the anticipatory postural adjustment of subjects with chronic lumbar pain. The effects will be assessed by means of superficial electromyography focused on the registry of the onset of multifidius and deltoid (anterior and posterior) activity during a repetitive shoulder ﬂexion/extension.

Conditions
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Lumbar Pain

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Segmental Stabilization Exercises
* Other: Home Exercises


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: women aged between 18 and 65 years old chronic lumbar pain (at least 3 months) average pain intensity of ≥3 on a 10-point scale Exclusion Criteria: presence of red flags (i.e.,tumor, known fractures, diagnosed inflammatory joint disease, etc); history of back surgery pregnancy less than 3 months of therapeutic treatment (physiotherapy) for low back pain

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Segmental Stabilization Group<br>Patients receiving segmental stabilization exercises. | Other: Segmental Stabilization Exercises<br>* The stabilization program focuses on the reestablishment of motor control and coordination between deep and superficial trunk muscles. The exercise program is based on the following criteria progression: 1) Precise contraction of the transverse abdominal and multifidus muscles, keeping the lumbar spine in a neutral position (as the middle way between maximum flexion and extension, repeated three times); 2) Keep the neutral position for 10 repetitions of 10 seconds; 3) Perform exercises with lower limbs in different postures.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Control Group<br>Patients receiving home exercises. | Other: Home Exercises<br>* Home exercises include passive stretching and active mobilization of the spine.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anticipatory Postural Adjustment by means of Electromyography | Assessed by means of superficial electromyography | change from pre to post-treatment (8 weeks) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Disability level via the Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire |  | change from pre to post-treatment (8 weeks) | 
| Fear of pain and avoidance of physical activity via the Fear-avoidance beliefs Questionnaire |  | change from pre to post-treatment (8 weeks) | 
| Prognosis or risk of poor clinical outcome via the STarT Back Screening Tool |  | change from pre to post-treatment (8 weeks) | 
| Pain level via visual analogue scale |  | change from pre to post-treatment (8 weeks) |