In the western world low back pain is a major cause of disability and about 60 to 70% life time prevalence rate has been reported. The financial consequences of this problem are enormous. Electronic data bases were searched for this review. It seems difficult to identify the underlying cause of chronic low back pain. Different theories explained the relationship between lumber instability and chronic low back pain and Punjabi's theory is widely accepted. Some evidence suggests relationship between lumber stability muscles and chronic low back pain but no direct relation could be identified. It appeared that the transversus abdominus, multifidus and erector spinae are the key lumber stabilisers and their role has been proven in research. The literature compares core stability exercise with general strengthening exercises, manual therapy and evaluates core stability exercises alone. According to the available evidence both specific core stability exercises and general strengthening exercises are effective in the management of chronic low back pain. Core stability exercise appeared superior to manual therapy but there is still a need to carry out further good quality RCT trials. Core stability found to be effective in a cohort and single case study designs. Overall it seems that core stability exercises have a place in chronic low back pain due to lumber stability. Further research is required to identify which subgroup of chronic low back patients would respond best to core stability exercise or other physiotherapy treatment options.

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