The effects of spinal stabilization exercises on functional exercise capacity in individuals with transtibial amputation: A randomized trial

Background: Optimization of mobility activities with spinal stabilization exercises and reducing spinal loads in individuals with transtibial amputation are recommended by researchers; however, the effect of spinal stabilization exercises on functional exercise capacity has not been investigated. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of spinal stabilisation exercises on functional exercise capacity in individuals with transtibial amputation. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding. Methods: Eighteen individuals with transtibial amputation were included. Conventional physiotherapy program was applied to individuals in control group, and spinal stabilization exercise training was applied to individuals in intervention group together with conventional physiotherapy program for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was maximal oxygen uptake during 6-Minute Stepper Test. The secondary outcomes were maximal energy expenditure, step count and fatigue during 6-Minute Stepper Test, perceived mobility level with prosthesis, and stabilization strength of deep spinal muscles. Results: In the within-group comparisons, the change in the functional exercise capacity, step count, and stabilization strength of deep spinal muscles were found to be statistically significant in both groups. In the between-group comparison, the changes in the functional exercise capacity, perceived mobility level, and stabilization strength of deep spinal muscles were found to be significant in favor of the group in which spinal stabilization exercises were applied. Conclusions: Along with improvement in proximal control of movement, improvements were observed in some parameters that are indicative of physical capacity. Considering the described developments, exercise programs focused on spinal stabilization in individuals with amputation are becoming a serious alternative in clinical practice.