Low Back Pain and Stretching Exercise

All subjects attended the physical therapy sessions three times per week for six weeks. Experimental group performed manual passive stretching exercises for hamstring, gastrocnemus, hamstring and back muscles. The patient sits on long sitting position with knees fully extended and the feet together in dorsiflextion and against the wall to stretch the gastrocnemius muscle. We asked the patient to bend forward from the hips to reach towards the feet with the head in flexion. The physical therapists came behind the patient and push him/her forward to stabilize the patient’s position and knees and hold the position for 30 seconds, then relax for 30 seconds, with three repetitions per set, three sets per visit and three visits per week for a period of six weeks. Subjects also performed stretching exercise for iliopsoas muscle. The patient lies on a crock lying position with both lower limbs hanging out of the end of the table holding one knee to the chest, the therapist is in front of both lower limbs and one hand holds the flexed knee while the other hand stretches the other leg by pushing down and hold the position for 30 seconds, then relax for 30 seconds with three repetitions per set, three sets per visit and three visits per week for a period of six weeks. Strengthening exercises were performed in both groups. Performing sitting up from a supine position with hips and knees flexed used for abdominal muscles strengthening exercises. Head and shoulders are lifted with a gradual curl to touch the knees with the hands. The abdominal muscle becomes more efficient. Thus isotonic abdominal exercise should begin with the hips and knees flexed. A strengthening exercise program for abdominal muscles performed ten repetitions, ten seconds hold and ten to 15 seconds relax for ten sets per visit and three visits per week for a period of six weeks. Stretching and strengthening exercises were undertaken during 3 x 1 hour sessions per week for a period of 6 weeks. Participants in both groups received health education for low back pain by researchers including correct posture and appropriate behavior changes to enhance functional outcomes