Background. Middle-aged women are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders because of the decreased muscle mass and bone density caused by a decreased endocrine function.
Objectives. This study investigated the effectiveness of a stabilization exercise using respiratory resistance on female patients in their 40s with low back pain.
Methods. Forty-four female patients in their 40s with low back pain were assigned randomly to an experimental (n=22) or control group (n=22). The experimental group performed lumbar stabilization exercises along with respiratory resistance, and the control group only performed lumbar stabilization exercises, both groups for 60 min per session, three sessions a week, for four weeks. The numeric rating scale (NRS), Korean-Oswestry disability index (K-ODI), Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), static balance ability, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured before and after the intervention program.
Results. Both groups showed significant differences in the NRS, K-ODI, FABQ, center of pressure (CoP) velocity, MIP, and MEP before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). In the length and area of CoP, only the experimental group showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). In the experimental group, the K-ODI, FABQ, balance ability, MIP, and MEP showed significantly better improvement than the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion. A lumbar stabilization exercise program using respiratory resistance is an effective method with increased motor function, psychosocial stability, significant improvement in balance, and respiratory pressure in women in their 40s with low back pain.