BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of progressive stabilization exercise program carried out with respiratory resistance in patients with lumbar instability.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-three patients with lumbar instability were randomly assigned to experimental (n=20) and control groups (n=23). The experimental group performed progressive lumbar stabilization exercises along with respiratory resistance, and the control group only performed progressive lumbar stabilization exercises, for 40 min per session, 3 sessions a week, for 4 weeks. Numeric rating scale (NRS), Korean-Oswestry disability index (K-ODI), static balance ability, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), and pulmonary function test (PFT) were performed before and after the intervention program for comparison.

RESULTS: The 2 groups showed significant differences in NRS, K-ODI, balance ability, and FABQ after the interventions (p<0.05), but greater improvements were shown by the experimental group in balance ability and FABQ values. PFT results in the experimental group showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV). The experimental group showed a greater improvement (p<0.05) in FVC and MVV compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: Progressive stabilization exercise program with respiratory resistance is an effective method with clinical significance in pain reduction, psychosocial stability, and enhancement of motor and respiratory functions.

Keywords: Back Pain, Breathing Exercises, Exercise Therapy, Joint Instability, Progressive Patient Care, Respiratory Therapy, Exercise, Lumbosacral Region, Maximal Voluntary Ventilation, Respiration, Respiratory Function Tests, Surveys and Questionnaires, Vital Capacity