EFFECTIVENESS OF STATIC STABILIZATION VERSUS DYNAMIC STABILIZATION OF CORE MUSCLES ON LOW BACK PAIN IN CYCLISTS - AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Low back pain was shown to be a common cycling overuse injury. Development of LBP in cyclists suggests that a deactivation of the erector spinae and/or the multifidus muscles occurs as the spine maintains a flexed position during cycling. Simultaneous isometric co-contraction of the transverse abdominis and the multifidus muscles, while maintaining a neutral position of the spine, can ensure re-education and reinforcement of the stabilization roles of these muscles. No studies were there on static versus dynamic stabilization exercises for core strength. 30 cyclists with low back pain were randomly placed into two groups, group A static stabilization exercises (n=15), group B dynamic stabilization exercises (n=15). Both groups received training for 4 weeks with 10-20 repetitions twice daily. Baseline Pain, core strength and Quality of life (OSLBPQ) were recorded pre-treatment and post-treatment i.e. on end of 4th week and analyzed statistically by using VAS for pain, pressure biofeedback unit for core strength and Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire for quality of life. The results revealed that Group B dynamic stabilization showed significant improvement than the Group A static stabilization with pain (P is 0.0031), core strength (P is <0.0001) and Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire (P is 0.0297). Both stabilization exercises were found to be beneficial but when compared in between dynamic stabilization exercises showed better improvement in cyclists with low back pain.