CPR for Lumbar Stabilisation

Original Editor - Lucy Bussard and Kurt Kimmons

Lead Editors  

Indication

Patients presenting with low back pain are generally a heterogeneous population, and because in 85% of cases no specific diagnosis can be made for low back pain, a treatment based classification system is useful for physical therapists in developing rehabilitation programs for patients unspecified with low back pain. In this type of system, patients are categorized according to general presentation, findings from a physical examination, impairments, and functional limitations, and are grouped into one of several treatment classifications. In order to assist with this classification, clinical prediction rules are a set of criteria that a patient should meet in order to be placed into a specific treatment group. The clinical prediction rule for the spinal stabilization treatment category is below, and generally includes a younger age, instability, and greater overall mobility. 

Clinical Prediction Rule

The presence of 3 or more of the following factors increase the probability of dramatic success for patients in the spinal stabilization category from 33% to 67%:

• Younger Age (<40 years old)
• Increased Flexibility (Average SLR > 91^o)
• Aberrant Motions or Instability Catch during Lumbar Flexion/Extension ROM
• (+) Prone Instability Test

The presence of 2 or more of the following increases the probability of some improvement with the spinal stabilization treatment method from 72% to 94%: :

• (+) Prone Instability Test
• Aberrant Motions during Lumbar Flexion/Extension ROM
• Hypermobility
• FABQ-PA < 8

Description

Optimal spinal stabilization can be achieved by strengthening the deep back and abdominal muscles. These include the transverse abdominus, quadratus lumborum, oblique abdominals, multifidus, and erector spinae. Exercises targeting these specific muscles should be done in a progression, usually beginning with the transverse abdominus which provides the patient with initial stabilization that is helpful during subsequent exercises and daily activities.

Below are methods for activating the transverse abdominus and multifidus muscles, two major spinal stabilizers. These exercises should be incorporated initially in the spinal stabilization program for patients with low back pain. Once the patient is able to activate these muscles, more stabilizing exercises should be introduced the patient should be progressively challenged with more difficult exercises, targeting the muscles listed above.

The following videos are examples demonstrating progressions of spinal stabilization exercises that can be used for patients requiring this technique. They can and should be modified according to specific patient needs, preferences, or functional demands. The physical therapist should remember to consistently stress the importance of maintaining a neutral spine when performing these exercises.

Key Evidence

Preliminary Development of a Clinical Prediction Rule for Determining Which Patients with Low Back Pain Will Respond to a Stabilization Exercise Program. Gregory Hicks, Julie Fritz, Anthony Delitto, Stuart McGill. (Link to Abstract)

A 2003 study done by Fritz et al compared the treatment based classification (TBC) approach and current clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for treatment of patients with low back pain. The TBC system involved classifying patients into categories and matching the treatment to the category. The clinical practice guidelines included low stress aerobic exercise, general muscle re-conditioning, and advice to remain active. The change was evaluated using the initial and four week Oswestry Disability Index score. Although both groups showed some improvement, the study found a 22% greater improvement for patients whose treatment was matched on the TBC as compared to those who were provided treatment based on the CPG.

Resources

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Case Studies

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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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References

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