The Effects of Sling Exercise on Gluteus Muscle Strength and Gait Velocity in Females with History of Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Purpose To determine the changes in gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscle strength, gait velocity, pain, and low back disability following an intervention using sling exercise for four weeks in females with a history of CLBP. Study design Cross-sectional study Methods This study involved 27 females with a history of CLBP who visited the H fitness center. The participants’ pain intensity was measured using the visual analogue pain scale. Disability was measured using the Korean Oswestry Disability Index. A force measurement device was used to collect data on gluteal muscle strength. The participants walked for five minutes at a preferred walking speed on a treadmill, and the average walking speed was measured during gait and then re-measured after exercise. Results Pain intensity and disability were found to significant decrease after sling and common exercise groups. Significant increased post-intervention versus pre-intervention were seen in the hip abductor strength and gait velocity ( p <0.05). No significant differences were seen in the hip extensor strength ( p >0.05). These results show that hip abductor strength was significantly different between before and after sling exercise. Conclusions Sling exercises may be effective for stability during the gait pattern and may be recommended to improve the gluteal strength and lumbo-pelvic stability for those with chronic low back pain.