A randomised controlled trial (RCT) on the effects of frequency of application of spinal stabilisation exercises on multifidus cross sectional area (MFCSA) in participants with chronic low back pain

Background to the study: Currently, there is evidence demonstrating the efficacy of stabilisation exercises in the management of acute and chronic low back disorders. However, the main facilitation techniques behind the efficacy of this exercise still remain uncertain. Also, the question of what is an appropriate dosage of treatment that can be expected to achieve a desired outcome has not been sufficiently addressed. Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of frequency of application of stabilisation exercises on multifidus cross sectional area (MFCSA) in participants with chronic low back pain Study design: A randomised controlled trial (RCT) Patient sample Eighty four participants (34 males, 50 females) with chronic low back pain volunteered to the take part in this study. Outcome measures: The main outcome measures used in this study was MFCSA measured using FF Sonic, UF-750XT diagnostic ultrasound machine with a 5MHz curvilinear transducer. Methods: Participants were randomly allocated either to one of the exercise groups, where they carried out stabilisation exercise training at different frequencies i.e. once weekly (×1wk), twice weekly (×2wk) and three times weekly (×3wk) or the control (no exercise) group. Data were collected at baseline, after six weeks of exercise training and at 18 week follow up assessments. Results: The results showed the baseline MFCSA increases significantly after six weeks of treatment (P = 0.006) and at 18 weeks follow up assessments (P = 0.049) in all the exercise groups. Conclusion: The results showed that MFCSA increased with duration and frequency of treatment with stabilisation exercises with the highest increase in the three times weekly (×3wk) exercise group.