Effects of dynamic lumbar motor control training on lumbar proprioception: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Dynamic lumbar motor control training (MCT) is frequently used in low back pain management; however, whether it affects lumbar proprioception remains unclear. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dynamic lumbar MCT on lumbar proprioception and to determine the effectiveness of dynamic lumbar MCT in patients with low back pain.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Method: The study included patients with chronic non-specific low back pain, who were randomized into two groups: general trunk-training group and dynamic lumbar MCT group. Training was conducted for 8 weeks, and measurements were recorded at the beginning and end of the intervention period. The outcomes were the Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire score (FreBAQ; subjective proprioception) and the active joint repositioning sense (AJRS; objective proprioception) in trunk-forward bending.

Results/findings: Nine participants in the general trunk-training group and 10 in the dynamic lumbar MCT group were included in the final analysis. In the pre- and post-intervention comparisons, FreBAQ score decreased in the dynamic lumbar MCT group only. AJRS was not significantly different between pre- and post-intervention in both groups. Between-group comparisons of pre- and post-intervention differences showed no significant differences in either FreBAQ or AJRS.

Conclusions: Although the effect of dynamic lumbar MCT on lumbar proprioception is no different from that of general trunk training without moving the lower limbs, dynamic lumbar MCT is effective in training to improve subjective proprioception in patients with low back pain.

Keywords: Low back pain; Lumbar spine; Motor control training; Proprioception.