EFFECT OF PROPRIOCEPTIF NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION AND LUMBAR STABILIZATION EXERCISES ON MUSCLE STRENGTH AND MUSCLE ENDURANCE IN PATIENTS WITH LUMBAR DISC HERNIA

Background/Objective: This study investigates the effect of lumbar stabilization and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) training on muscle strength and muscle endurance. Methods: Sixty-four participants between the ages of 15 and 69 years, graded “protrusion and bulging lumbar herniation” according to the Macnab Classification, were divided into four groups of 16: lumbar stabilization training (strength training, 5 days/week for 4 weeks); PNF training (5 days/week for 4 weeks); physical therapy (hot pack, TENS, ultrasound, 5 days/week for 4 weeks); and control (without any application). Sociodemographic features were recorded and muscle strength tested. Before and after exercise, a visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were measured by a physical therapist. After 4 weeks, the evaluations were repeated. Results: There were significant increases in muscle strength and muscle endurance in the lumbar stabilization group, who also showed significant improvement in pain intensity at rest and during activity, and in ODI (p<0.05). Similar results were observed in the PNF group (p<0.05), although not to the same extent. Patients undergoing physical therapy showed significant differences only in pain intensity at rest, at activity, and in ODI (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the control group. Conclusion: Undertaking an appropriate physiotherapy and rehabilitation program aiming to reduce waist circumference of patients with low muscle strength and low muscle endurance will help to increase muscle strength and endurance and reduce pain, and contribute toward the correction of functional disabilities