Specific stabilisation exercise for spinal and pelvic pain: A systematic review

Paulo H. Ferreira, Manuela L. Ferreira, Christopher G. Maher*, Robert D. Herbert, Kathryn Refshauge

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

207 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the efficacy of specific stabilisation exercise for spinal and pelvic pain. Randomised clinical trials evaluating specific stabilisation exercise were identified and retrieved. Outcomes were disability, pain, return to work, number of episodes, global perceived effect, or health-related quality of life. A single trial reported that specific stabilisation exercise was more effective than no treatment but not more effective than spinal manipulative therapy for the management of cervicogenic headache and associated neck pain. Single trials reported that specific stabilisation exercise was effective for pelvic pain and for prevention of recurrence after an acute episode of low back pain but not to reduce pain or disability associated with acute low back pain. Pooled analyses revealed that, for chronic low back pain, specific stabilisation exercise was superior to usual medical care and education but not to manipulative therapy, and no additional effect was found when specific stabilisation exercise was added to a conventional physiotherapy program. A single trial reported that specific stabilisation exercise and a surgical procedure to reduce pain and disability in chronic low back pain were equally effective. The available evidence suggests that specific stabilisation exercise is effective in reducing pain and disability in chronic but not acute low back pain. Single trials indicate that specific stabilisation exercise can be helpful in the treatment of cervicogenic headache and associated neck pain, pelvic pain, and in reducing recurrence after acute low back pain.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)79-88
Number of pages10
JournalAustralian Journal of Physiotherapy
Volume52
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Exercise therapy
  • Low back pain
  • Meta-analysis

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