Background and Aim: Submaximal training of lumbar stabilizing muscles decreases both pain and disability in patients with mechanical low back pain. However, these effects have rarely been studied where segmental stability has been compromised. The purpose of the present study was to compare lumbar muscle specific stabilization exercises with general exercises in the reduction of pain and disability in patients with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. 

Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was performed in Zahedan in 2009. Twenty-four patients with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis were randomly assigned to either a stabilization (n=12) or a general exercise group (n=12). Before and after intervention, the extent of pain was assessed through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), lumbar lordosis using a flexible ruler, range of lumbar flexion applying Modified Schober test, and disability severity by means of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). A 24 thirty minute session exercise program lasting for 12 weeks, twice each week, were performed by both groups. The obtained data was fed into SPSS software (V:17) using statistical tests culmograph smear novo, Levin, independent T ,and paired T and analysed at the significant level P<0.05.  

Results: Mean pain decreased from 6.1±2.5 to 2.7±2.5 in the stabilization group (P<0.0001) and from 6.3±1.8 to 3.3±1.3 in the general group (P=0.003). Besides, mean disability decreased from 33.4±9.03 to 9.12±5.1 in the stabilization group and from 32.5±6.12 to 18.52±4.68 in the general group (P<0.0001). Pain reduction (P=0.012) and function improvement (P<0.0001) was significant in stabilization group compared with the general one.

 Conclusion: The results showed that stabilization exercises are more effective than the general ones in decreasing pain and improving function.