Effects of different segmental spinal stabilization exercise protocols on postural stability in asymptomatic subjects: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The aim was to assess and compare the postural stability effects of the "Progressive Dynamic Spine Stabilization Exercise Protocols" (PDSSEP) which were designed for different spinal segments.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The asymptomatic, sedentary, and female volunteers (21.26 ± 1.30 years old) were allocated randomly into Cervical (n=22), Lumbar (n=21), Thoracic (n=20), Combined (n=20), and Control (n=21) Groups. All training groups participated into the related PDSSEP for six weeks, 3 days/week. The assessments were carried out at the baseline, after 6(th) week, and on the 12(th) week. "Tetrax Interactive Posturography and Balance System" (Tetrax System, Ramat Gan, Israel) was used to assess the overall postural stability (SI), weight distribution (WDI) and somatosensory reactions. "Kruskal Wallis Test" for the differences of the pre-6th weeks, pre-12(th) weeks within the groups, "Mann-Whitney U Test" for control and inter-group comparisons were used.

RESULTS

The differences were observed for eyes closed SI, and WDI in head right rotated position (p< 0.05) between the baseline and after completing the programs. Eyes closed SI in solid surface was shown statistically different in Thoracic group in comparison to controls (p< 0.02). SI on soft surface, SI head left rotated position and somatosensory reactions with head flexed position improved in Thoracic Group at the 12(th) week (p< 0.01). WDI significantly improved in Cervical Group (p< 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Thoracic spine can be considered as a hidden source for improving overall postural stability. It may be appropriate to focus on thoracic region in the kinetic chain for the treatment or training.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

A prospective randomized controlled trial, Level 1.