Dose Weight loss and Core Exercise improve Oswestry disability index, Trunk Extensor and Flexor Muscle Strength in Obese Middle-Aged Women with Chronic Low Back Pain?

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the weight loss and isotonic core exercise on oswestry disability index (ODI), trunk extensor and flexor muscle strength in obese middle-aged women with chronic low back pain. METHODS Eighteen obese middle-aged woman with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned into weight loss + core exercise group (WL+CE, n=6), core exercise group (CE, n=6), and control group (CON, n=6). The weight loss goal was set at approximately 0.5-1 kg per week, and core exercises were conducted for 60 minutes, three times a week, for 8 weeks. Body composition (weight, % body fat, muscle mass, WHR), ODI, trunk extensor and flexor muscle strength were measured before, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after core exercise. RESULTS WHR and ODI significantly decreased at 4 and 8 weeks of exercise in both the WL+CE and CE groups compared to before exercise (p<.05, respectively). Trunk extensor muscle strength significant increased at 8 weeks after exercise compared to before exercise at 146°, 158°, 170°, and 182° in the WL+CE (p<.05, respectively), and significant increased at 8 weeks after exercise compared to before exercise at 146° and 158° in the CE (p<.05, respectively). Trunk flexor muscle strength was a significant increase at 8 weeks after exercise compared to before exercise at 146°, 158°, and 182° in the WL+CE (p<.05, respectively), and significant increase at 8 weeks after exercise compared to before exercise at 110°, 134°, 146°, and 170° in the CE (p<.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that weight loss and core exercise improve WHR, ODI, and trunk extensor and flexor muscle strength in obese middle-aged women with chronic low back pain.