Effect of Expiratory Training and Inspiratory Training with Lumbar Stabilization in Low Back Pain:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Low back is the leading cause of work absence and activity limitation. It is often associated with faulty posture. Postural muscles have role in both postural control and respiration. Thus it is important to address breathing in treatment of low back pain.

Objective: The concept of breathing in low back pain is rarely translated into clinical practice. Thus, the present study will attempt to explore the evidence related to breathing and low back pain. On comparing the effect of expiratory training and inspiratory training with lumbar stabilization, the study will enlighten us whether expiratory or inspiratory training is more beneficial.

Method: The study is an RCT which included 36 subjects of the age group 20-50 years, assigned into three groups: group A (inspiratory training with lumbar stabilization), group B (expiratory training with lumbar stabilization) and group C (lumbar stabilization exercise). The intervention was performed every day in a week for 3 weeks. The outcome measures, VAS, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and stabilizer pressure biofeedback were measured at baseline and 3 weeks after the intervention.

Results: On comparing the outcome measures pre and post, all the three groups demonstrated clinically significant results, while group A produced statistically significant result in improving pain measured on VAS.

Conclusion: The study provides an affirmation for the effect of breathing in low back pain. The effectiveness of the interventions can be translated into clinical practice for the treatment of chronic mechanical low back pain.