Comparison of the effects of sitting on a gym ball alone versus sitting on a gym ball with limb movements in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sitting on a gym ball alone and sitting on a gym ball plus limb movements in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). Forty subjects were randomly divided into two groups: a ‘sitting on a gym ball alone’ group (Group A, n = 20) and a ‘sitting on a gym ball plus limb movements’ group (Group B, n = 20). Outcome measures: pain intensity, disability, lumbar stability, and patients’ satisfaction. Methods: Subjects in both group performed exercise program at home for 8 weeks. Subjects in Group A performed the exercise once a day, 5 days per week. At the first week, they sat on a gym ball for 20 minutes per day, and then gradually progressed over time to 50 minutes per day at week 6-8. While subjects in Group B performed the exercise consists of 12 maneuvers for 10, 15, and 20 repetitions, respectively, in each maneuver, once a day and 5 days per week. Results: The significant changes (p < 0.05) in both groups including decreased pain and disability and improved lumbar stability were found. Regarding patient satisfaction, all subjects perceived that their symptoms were improved. Nevertheless, it was found that subjects in Group B had a greater decrease in disability than subjects in Group A (p = 0.043). Conclusion: Sitting on a gym ball with or without limb movements for 8 weeks could reduce pain, and disability, and increase lumbar stability for chronic LBP. Besides, sitting on a gym ball plus limb movements were more likely to reduce disability than sitting on a gym ball alone.