earticle

영어

Background: This study investigated the effects of sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGS) technique on lower back pain and pain disability among university students with lower back pain. Methods: A total thirty 20~30 year old university students with lower back pain were divided into two groups. A lumbar flexibility exercise was applied to the control group (n=15). The SNAGS technique group (n=15) received L1~L4 segment mobilization using SNAGS technique. Intervention was implemented for 20 minutes, 3 times a week for 3 weeks. The SNAGS were performed using belt with flexion and extension, whereas lumbar flexibility exercise included lumbar flexion and extension. Lower back disability was measured using the Korean Oswestry disability index (KODI), and pain sensitivity was measured by pain pressure threshold (PPT). The groups were assessed for lower back pain disability and pain, before and after the intervention. Results: There were significant improvements in both the KODI and PPT of the SNAGS technique group (p<.05), while the lumbar flexibility exercise group showed no significant change (p>.05). In addition, the SNAGS technique group had a statistically significant difference in KODI and PPT compared to the lumbar flexibility exercise group (p<.05). Conclusion: SNAGS technique is more effective than lumbar spine joint flexibility exercise in the improvement of lower back pain disability and pain among university students with lower back pain.