EFFECTIVENESS OF LUMBAR STABILIZATION EXERCISES IN NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN AMONG OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Low Back Pain (LBP) is considered as the second leading source of musculoskeletal disorders, affecting 85% individuals worldwide at some point in their life time. Numerous studies estimated Occupational Therapists have predominant risk of developing LBP due to nature of their daily activities therefore the aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of lumbar stabilizing exercises among Occupational Therapists with non-specific LBP. METHODOLOGY A single blind, RCT was conducted at Dr. Ziauddin Hospital included 30 Occupational Therapists divided in to Group A and B that received lumbar stabilization and general extension exercises respectively. Both the groups received 4 weeks of intervention on 6 days/week. Data was collected Pre and Post the treatment on Numeric Rating Scale and Oswestry LBP Disability Questionnaire. RESULTS Both the groups showed significant results (p<0.05), however Group A showed marked reduction in pain and disability in comparison to Group B that showed moderate decrease in both outcome measures. CONCLUSION Lumbar stabilization exercises are more effective to reduce LBP as compared to general extension exercises. Multi-center trials are recommended in the management of LBP in healthcare professionals to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.