Motor Control Exercise for Lower Back Pain

Often labeled as LBP, lower back pain is one of the most common health conditions in the world. Despite the many people it affects, the pain source is often unclear. This can be described as “non-specific LBP.” Prior studies believe that LBP is related to the deep trunk muscles and the impairment in those muscles. Motor control exercise (MCE) was thus developed to restore those muscles and improve coordination and control of the trunk muscles supporting the spine. MCE involves isolating the deep trunk muscles with contractions and integrating complex static, dynamic, and functional tasks to improve the muscles. In a new study by Bruno Sara Giotto of The George Institute at the University of Sydney in Australia, they found low to moderate-quality evidence that MCE is more effective than a minimal intervention for chronic low back pain. MCE appeared to reduce pain, disability, and perceived quality of life compared to other minimal interventions. Sara Giotto says, “Targeting the strength and coordination of muscles that support the spine through motor control exercise offers an alternative approach to treating lower back pain. We can be confident that they are as effective as other types of exercise, so the choice of exercise should consider factors such as patient or therapist preferences, cost, and availability.”