earticle

영어

Background: Non‑specific low back pain is frequently linked to impaired motor control and altered sensory processing across spinal segments. Although lumbar stabilization exercises are commonly prescribed, recent evidence suggests that adjacent regions—particularly the thoracic spine—may play a critical role in modulating pain and function. This study compared the effects of thoracic versus lumbar movement control exercise interventions on pain intensity, sensory discrimination ability, mechanical sensitivity, and functional disability in patients with non‑specific low back pain. Methods: A total of 15 participants were recruited and assigned to either the thoracic movement control (TMC) group (7 participants) or the lumbar movement control (LMC) group (8 participants). All participants received electrical therapy and functional massage (15 minutes each) to manage low back pain. The TMC performed spinal movement control exercises for 15 minutes, while the LMC performed LMC exercises for the same duration. Both groups underwent interventions twice a week for 4 weeks, totaling 45 minutes of intervention. The outcomes were measured in pain, sensory discrimination, mechanosensitivity, and body function before and after the interventions. Results: There were significant within group reductions in the numeral rating pain scale (NRPS) and fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) in both thoracic and the lumbar movement control groups (p<.05). Furthermore, the TMC demonstrated a more significant difference in the NRPS and the FABQ in the between-groups comparison (p<.05). Conclusion: This study confirmed that thoracic and lumbar movement control exercises are effective interventions for improving pain, sensory discrimination, the pressure pain threshold, and lumbar function in patients with non-specific low back pain.