Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: December | Volume: 10 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 141-149
Efficacy of Activation of Gluteus Maximus Versus Transversus Abdominis in Patients with Mechanical Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Vaibhavi U. Walimbe1, Sanket S. Mungikar2, Santosh Dobhal3
1Assistant Lecturer, Shiva Trust’s Aurangabad College of Physiotherapy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India.
2Associate Professor, Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s Institute of Physiotherapy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India.
3Associate Professor, Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s Institute of Physiotherapy,Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India.
Corresponding Author: Vaibhavi U. Walimbe
ABSTRACT
Background: The existing research on Mechanical Low Back Pain has either focused on the conventional protocols or the core muscles as a whole; only a small number of studies have proposed new interventions for MLBP. There is lack of the studies which have used the concept of regional interdependence in cases of MLBP and concentrated over Gluteus Maximus (GM).
Design: A Randomized controlled trial
Participants: 120 subjects (aged between 30 to 50 years) with MLBP were included in the study on the basis of inclusion criteria.
Methodology: The subjects were randomly allocated into three groups. Groups A and B were experimental groups receiving Transversus Abdominis (TrA) activation and GM activation respectively along with Interferential Therapy (IFT) (Thrice a week for six weeks). Group C was the conventional group receiving conventional Flexion/Extension exercises and IFT (Thrice a week for six weeks). The outcome measures were Pain (Visual Analog Scale) and disability (Modified Oswestry Disability Index). The activation capacities of TrA & GM were measured using Chattanooga Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU).
Results: The mean difference of pre & post VAS and MODI was significant within Group A, B & C (paired t test). The comparison of three groups revealed more significant improvements in terms of pain and disability in group B (GM activation+ IFT)
Conclusion: GM activation was proven to be more beneficial than TrA activation & conventional protocol in reducing pain & disability of MLBP patients.
Key words: Mechanical Low Back Pain, Gluteus Maximus, Transversus Abdominis, Pressure biofeedback