Motor control exercise for non-specific low back pain

The 32 trials analyzed revealed that motor control exercises (MCE) are not more effective thanThe 32 trials analyzed revealed that motor control exercises (MCE) are not more effective than other interventions for acute low back pain (LBP). For chronic LBP, however, there was very low quality evidence that MCE helps reduce recurrence at one year. In addition, MCE were
shown to reduce pain compared to a minimal intervention (low-moderate quality evidence). There was no clinical difference between MCE and other exercises (low-high quality evidence) and an increased effectiveness of MCE over other interventions for pain and disability (very low-low quality evidence).

MCE are an increasingly popular method for managing non-specific LBP. Their use is based onMCE are an increasingly popular method for managing non-specific LBP. Their use is based on the notion that subjects with LBP display changes in spinal muscle control. There has been an increasing number of trials evaluating their effectiveness, but no Cochrane review had been
performed so far.

This review looked at 32 RCTs which evaluated the effectiveness of MCE on acute, subacute and chronic LBP. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

The authors found no clinically important differences between MCE and other exercises forThe authors found no clinically important differences between MCE and other exercises for acute and chronic LBP. For chronic LBP, MCE did reduce pain but not disability at all follow-up periods compared to minimal intervention; when compared to electrophysical agents, MCE
was more effective in reducing pain and disability. When added to medical management, MCE were effective in reducing recurrence.

> From: Saragiotto et al., Spine 41 (2017) 1284-1295. All rights reserved to Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Click here for the online summary.