earticle

영어

Various methods of exercise have been suggested for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Previous studies have shown that the lumbar extension narrows the space of the spinal canal. Therefore, lumbar extension exercise (LEE) was excluded and lumbar flexion execise (LFE) was applied. However, some studies have suggested that the LEE improves pain and functional movement in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. In addition, studies related to this are still insufficient. This study aimed to compare the effects of LFE and LEE on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional gait ability in patients with LSS. A total of 40 patients with LSS, LFE (n1=20) and LEE (n2=20) were assigned to either LFE or LEE groups. The visual analogue scale (VAS), modified-modified Schober test (MMST)-flexion, MMST-extension, and 10-m walking test (10MWT) were measured. The following statistical analysis was performed: an independent t-test for the general characteristics of the subjects, 2×2 analysis of variance with repeated measures for the pain, ROM, and gait ability. The group×time interaction effect showed significant improvement in the VAS (F1,38=31.175, p=.000), MMST-flexion (F1,38=118.739, p=.000), MMST-extension (F1,38=320.197, p=.000), 10MWT (F1,38=378.869, p=.000). This study suggested that LFE was the most effective exercise for pain, lumbar flexion, and functional gait ability in patients with LSS.