Comparative Effects of Hip and Lumbar Joint Exercise on Pain, Disability, and Balance in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the necessity of hip joint exercise for patients with chronic low back pain by comparing the effects of hip joint exercise (HJE) and lumbar joint exercise (LJE) on pain, static balance, and dynamic balance.<br/> Method: Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned to an HJE (n=12) and LJE (n=12) groups. Both groups trained three times per week, with each session lasting 40 minutes, over an eight-week period. Pain and disability were measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Korean Oswestry Disability Index (KODI). Static balance was evaluated using the One-Leg Standing Balance (OLSB) test, while dynamic balance was measured with the Y-Balance Test (YBT). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-tests, with statistical significance set at α=.05.<br/> Results: Both groups showed significant decreases in VAS and KODI scores after training, with no significant differences between groups. OLSB significantly improved in the left leg of the HJE group compared to the LJE group ( p<.05). YBT scores increased in both groups. The HJE group showed greater gains in anterior ( p<.001) and composite score ( p<.01). Posterior-lateral and posterior-medial significantly improved in both groups ( p<.05), with no significant differences between groups.<br/> Conclusion: Both HJE and LJE reduced pain and improved balance. HJE was more effective than LJE in improving anterior and overall dynamic balance. These results suggest that HJE can be a useful strategy to enhance stability and prevent falls in patients with chronic low back pain.