Effects of a multidisciplinary programme on postural stability in patients with chronic recurrent low back pain: preliminary findings.

Abstract

This longitudinal study investigated the effects of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme on postural stability in patients with low back pain. While the consequences of such rehabilitation programme have been described for pain, mobility, strength, and functional disability, the effects on postural stability have not been examined so far. Thirty-four patients suffering from chronic low back pain were included to participate in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme. We assessed postural stability, pain, strength of the lumbar extensor muscles, and functional disability. The examinations were performed before the intervention, after 20 training sessions ("half-way point"), and at the end of the rehabilitation programme. All outcome measures improved significantly from baseline to the first follow-up evaluation and remained constant until completion of the rehabilitation programme. A multidisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation programme may improve postural stability, muscle strength, pain, and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain.