Episode 49
Core Stability and Low Back Pain
Jenn Pilotti and I discuss a thorough review of 29 studies that answers this question: Are core stability exercises the best for back pain? The meta review was conducted in 2014 and is entitled, "An update of stabilization exercises for low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis." The studies compare core stabilization techniques (side plank, plank and bird dog) to other forms of exercise such as low intensity aerobics, pilates, walking, running in place, and stretches.
It might be a common sense conclusion that core strengthening is the best for back pain, but the research does not support this. In fact, the research tells us that core work is no more or less effective than any other kind of exercise.
Highlights:
The conclusion of the study was that stabilization exercises are not more effective than any other forms of exercise in the long term for people who have low back pain without pathologies.
What kinds of movements were compared to stability training? Motor control, general exercise, pilates, stretches, light aerobics.
Core stability work is no more effective in the long term than other forms of exercise but that does not mean we need to throw it out. We can still use it.
Read our review of this study over at Yoga Research and Beyond