Impact of a Balance Reeducation Protocol on Pain, Function and Postural Control of Low Back Pain Patients

• Function [ Time Frame: 5 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  Function was measured by the Roland-Morris Questionnaire
• Postural Control [ Time Frame: 5 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  Postural control was measured by Functional Reach Test and by posturography

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of a balance reeducation protocol and an evidenced based protocol on pain, function and postural control of low back pain patients.

Both groups will perform general exercises for back pain (stretch and strength of paraspinal and abdominal muscles, plus exercises to enhance lumbar and pelvic flexibility but the balance or experimental group will perform in addition five minutes of exercises that challenge postural stability in the sitting position. The evolution of the two groups concerning pain level, function and postural control will be compared.

• Other: General exercise only
  exercises for stretch and strength of paraspinal and abdominal muscles
  Other Name: control group
• Other: Balance reeducation plus general exercise
  patients perform balance reeducation exercises in addition to general exercises for stretch and strength of back and abdominal muscles
  Other Name: balance group, intervention group

• Experimental: Balance reeducation plus exercise
  exercises that challenge postural control are performed in addition to general exercises for stretch and strength of abdominal and paraspinal muscles
  Intervention: Other: Balance reeducation plus general exercise
• General exercise only
  general exercise for stretch and strength of paraspinal and abdominal muscles
  Intervention: Other: General exercise only

Inclusion Criteria:

• must have low back pain longer than three months and age between 40 and 69 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• balance or neuromuscular disorders, spine surgery, diabetes.