Abstract
PURPOSE: We hypothesized that an 8-week combined exercise program that includes lumbar stabilization and lower extremity strength exercises would be more effective than lumbar stabilization exercises alone in improving muscle stiffness, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, radiographic findings, and physical function in middle-aged women with low back pain. METHODS: Twenty middle-aged women with low back pain were randomly assigned to either the combined exercise group (CEG) or lumbar stabilization exercise group (LSEG). The lumbar stabilization exercises consisted of a 10-minute warm-up, 30-minute main exercise, and cool-down with an OMNI scale intensity of 6-8 for 3 days/week. All variables were measured before and after intervention. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in muscle stiffness, VAS scores, and lumbar lordosis angle, with the CEG showing greater improvements than the LSEG. Radiographic measurements of the sacral ala and ilium shadows decreased significantly only in the CEG. Physical function tests including gait speed, balance, chair stand, and sit-and-reach tests also improved significantly in both groups, with the CEG showing more pronounced results than the LSEG. CONCLUSION: The 8-week combined exercise program demonstrated promising results, indicating its potential for managing low back pain in middle-aged women.