Movement Control Exercises With and Without Specific Breathing Techniques for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain

Movement Control Exercises With and Without Specific Breathing Techniques for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: an Open-label Feasibility Study With 2-month

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading disability globally. Exercise therapies are one of the most commonly prescribed treatment options for CLBP. Specific breathing techniques have been shown to enhance brain-based pain modulation and autonomic nervous system balance; these changes have been shown to improve clinical effectiveness in terms of pain management and psychological factors compared to general exercise. However, no previous studies have added a specific breathing technique protocol to an evidence-based exercise program for CLBP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18-68-years-old
• Low back pain lasting more than 3 months (pain sensation more than 3 days per week)
• A numerical pain scale of more than 3
• ≥ 2/6 positive low back movement control tests (as described by Luomajoki et al.)
• Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire score of five or greater
• Who are physically able to perform movement control tests and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any history of malignant cancer
• Neurological disease affecting the central nervous system (MS, dementia)
• Rheumatic disease (fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis/rheumatoid arthritis)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
• Spinal surgery in the last 12 months
• A cardiac pacemaker
• Signs and symptoms of nerve root pathology during the clinic visits.
• Women who become pregnant during the data collection will also be excluded from the study.