Effects of a Stabilization Exercise Program Using Respiratory Resistance in Older Adults With Low Back Pain

Background: This study examined the effects of a lumbar stabilization exercise program using respiratory resistance on the pain, motor function, psychosocial factors, and respiratory function of patients with low back pain (LBP) aged 65 years and older. Methods: Forty-eight older adults over 65 with LBP were enrolled in this study. They were assigned randomly to the experimental group (n=24) or control group (n=24). The experimental group performed lumbar stabilization exercises along with respiratory resistance and the control group only performed lumbar stabilization exercises for 45 min per session, three sessions a week, for six weeks. Quadruple visual analog scale (QVAS), Korean version of the Oswestry disability index (K-ODI), balance ability, Euro quality of life 5 dimension (EQ-5D) and pulmonary function test (PET) were performed before and after the intervention program for comparison. Results: After the interventions, the two groups showed significant differences in the QVAS, K-ODI, balance ability and EQ-5D (P<0.05). The experimental group showed greater improvement (P<0.05) in the QVAS, K-ODI, balance ability and forced vital capacity/forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) compared to the control group. Conclusion: The lumbar stabilization exercise program using respiratory resistance can effectively improve pain, motor function, and pulmonary function in patients with LBP aged 65 years and older. In particular, respiratory resistance training enhances the surrounding spinal muscles and improves respiratory efficiency, alleviating LBP and improving motor function.