Abstract
PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of 10 weeks of combined exercises (passive stretching and lower extremity strength) and lumbar stabilization exercises on muscle stiffness, pain, and physical function in middle-aged women with back pain. METHODS: Thirty-five middle-aged women experiencing continuous back pain for at least 6 months who visited the hospital for treatment and diagnosis were recruited. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: a lumbar stabilization exercise group (LSEG, n = 18) and a combined exercise group (CEG, n = 17), which included passive stretching and lower extremity strength exercises. RESULTS: Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were noted in the right quadratus lumborum, left quadratus lumborum, right gluteus medius, left gluteus medius, and right and left hamstring muscles in both groups. However, there was no significant difference between the two interventions in terms of improvement in muscle stiffness. Both groups showed significant reduction in pain, as measured by the visual analog scale (P-VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, with greater improvements observed in the CEG than in the LSEG. Regarding physical function, both groups showed significant enhancement (p < 0.05) in all parameters, and the enhancement via exercise intervention was greater in the CEG than in the LSEG. CONCLUSION: Ten weeks of combined exercise intervention consisting of passive stretching, lower extremity strength exercises, and lumbar stabilization exercises showed positive results in improving muscle stiffness, P-VAS and ODI scores, and physical function.