BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Improving functional performance in patients with chronic low back pain is of primary importance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 2 proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) programs on trunk muscle endurance, flexibility, and functional performance in subjects with chronic low back pain (CLBP). SUBJECTS: Eighty-six women (40.2 +/- 11.9 (mean +/- SD) years of age) who had complaints of CLBP were randomly assigned to 3 groups: rhythmic stabilization training, combination of isotonic exercises, and control. METHODS: Subjects trained with each program for 4 weeks with the aim of improving trunk stability and strength. Static and dynamic trunk muscle endurance and lumbar mobility were measured before, at the end of, and 4 and 8 weeks after training. Disability and back pain intensity also were measured with the Oswestry Index. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that both training groups demonstrated significant improvements in lumbar mobility (8.6% to 24.1%), static and dynamic muscle endurance (23.6% to 81%), and Oswestry Index (29.3% to 31.8%) measurements. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Static and dynamic PNF programs may be appropriate for improving short-term trunk muscle endurance and trunk mobility in people with CLBP.

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