Core Laser Research Study at Texas Chiropractic College

Core Laser Research Study at Texas Chiropractic College

Posted on: February 14th, 2013 by laser-motion-systems No Comments

Over the next couple of months the Texas Chiropractic College will be conducting a research study on exercise and balance with female participants between the ages of 60 – 94 years of age.  The participants in this study will be split into two separate groups, performing balance exercises (balance evaluations) and core stabilization exercises using the Core Laser Pro.  By participating in this laser-guided therapy using the Core Laser the individual will strengthen their core, resulting in improved overall balance.

If you are interested in participating in this study and meet the above criteria please email (jward@txchiro.edu) or call 281-998-5704.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in News, Press, Research | No Comments »

Essentials of Dynamic Stability Training and Chiropractic Care

Posted on: January 24th, 2012 by laser-motion-systems No Comments

In recent literature and current guidelines, there is a focus on improving motor control as an important component of rehabilitation for both low back and neck problems, especially for chronic or recurrent conditions. Many recent studies include in the major goals of rehabilitation enhanced neuromotor control of the core-stabilizing musculature in order to improve stability under dynamic conditions.1 (more…)

Posted in Research | No Comments »

Long-term Effects of Specific Stabilizing Exercises for LBP

Posted on: January 24th, 2012 by laser-motion-systems No Comments

Overview

Randomized trial in which patients with acute lower back pain were medically managed and then assigned to one of two treatment arms.  The treatment group intervention was aimed at “rehabilitating the multifidus in co-contraction with the transversus abdominis muscle.”  Recurrence rates of LBP in the treatment group were significantly lower than the control group at 1 year and 2-3 years.

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN:

A randomized clinical trial with 1-year and 3-year telephone questionnaire follow-ups.

OBJECTIVE:

To report a specific exercise intervention’s long-term effects on recurrence rates in acute, first-episode low back pain patients.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:

The pain and disability associated with an initial episode of acute low back pain (LBP) is known to resolve spontaneously in the short-term in the majority of cases. However, the recurrence rate is high, and recurrent disabling episodes remain one of the most costly problems in LBP. A deficit in the multifidus muscle has been identified in acute LBP patients, and does not resolve spontaneously on resolution of painful symptoms and resumption of normal activity. Any relation between this deficit and recurrence rate was investigated in the long-term.

METHODS:

Thirty-nine patients with acute, first-episode LBP were medically managed and randomly allocated to either a control group or specific exercise group. Medical management included advice and use of medications. Intervention consisted of exercises aimed at rehabilitating the multifidus in cocontraction with the transversus abdominis muscle. One year and three years after treatment, telephone questionnaires were conducted with patients.

RESULTS:

Questionnaire results revealed that patients from the specific exercise group experienced fewer recurrences of LBP than patients from the control group. One year after treatment, specific exercise group recurrence was 30%, and control group recurrence was 84% (P < 0.001). Two to three years after treatment, specific exercise group recurrence was 35%, and control group recurrence was 75% (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION:

Long-term results suggest that specific exercise therapy in addition to medical management and resumption of normal activity may be more effective in reducing low back pain recurrences than medical management and normal activity alone.

Article Source:  Department of Physiotherapy, Mater Misericordiae Public Hospitals, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Posted in Research | No Comments »

Evaluation of Specific Stabilizing Exercise in Treatment of LBP

Posted on: January 24th, 2012 by laser-motion-systems No Comments

Evaluation of specific stabilizing exercise in the treatment of chronic low back pain with radiologic diagnosis of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis.

Overview

A well controlled back pain (radio graphically confirmed) study in which the treatment group was given specific exercises to activate the deep abdominal muscles while the control group underwent traditional treatment modalities.  Results are astounding and sustained for 30 months.

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN:

A randomized, controlled trial, test–retest design, with a 3-, 6-, and 30-month postal questionnaire follow-up.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the efficacy of a specific exercise intervention in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain and a radiologic diagnosis of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:

A recent focus in the physiotherapy management of patients with back pain has been the specific training of muscles surrounding the spine (deep abdominal muscles and lumbar multifidus), considered to provide dynamic stability and fine control to the lumbar spine. In no study have researchers evaluated the efficacy of this intervention in a population with chronic low back pain where the anatomic stability of the spine was compromised.

METHODS:

Forty-four patients with this condition were assigned randomly to two treatment groups. The first group underwent a 10-week specific exercise treatment program involving the specific training of the deep abdominal muscles, with co-activation of the lumbar multifidus proximal to the pars defects. The activation of these muscles was incorporated into previously aggravating static postures and functional tasks. The control group underwent treatment as directed by their treating practitioner.

RESULTS:

After intervention, the specific exercise group showed a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity and functional disability levels, which was maintained at a 30-month follow-up. The control group showed no significant change in these parameters after intervention or at follow-up.

SUMMARY:

A “specific exercise” treatment approach appears more effective than other commonly prescribed conservative treatment programs in patients with chronically symptomatic spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis.

Article Source: School of Physiotherapy, Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia.

Posted in Research | No Comments »

Transversus Abdominis and Core Stability

Posted on: January 24th, 2012 by laser-motion-systems No Comments

Overview

Exercises that focus on isolating the transverse abdonimus are integral parts of most treatment plans with back related ailments and also an injury prevention tool in health people.

Abstract

In the past decade there has been a focus on isolated transversus abdominis activation and how it contributes to lumbo-pelvic stability. This rationale has not only influenced the management of chronic low back pain (LBP); it has also been included in exercises for many other pathologies of the lower and upper limb and also for prophylaxis in pain-free subjects.

Study

The rationale that the feedforward bilateral muscle activation of the transversus abdominis stabilises the segmental lumbar spine is based on the reports that, unlike other trunk muscles, transversus abdominis is activated independently of the direction of any spinal perturbation.1 2 This finding implies that it plays an important role in spinal stability. The finding that individuals with low back pain or normal subjects with anxiety and stress appear to have altered timing of feedforward onsets of transversus abdominis reinforces the case for the presence of a motor control dysfunction.3–6 It is often inferred that such a dysfunctional pattern corresponds to less than optimal core stability. (more…)

Posted in Research | No Comments »