Prone-positioned upside-done arch exercise, a kind of lumbodorsal muscles training, curbs the progression of lumbar disc bulge

Abstract

Highlights

The comprehensive therapy containing prone- positioned upside-done arch exercise showed beneficial effects in patients with lumbar disc bulge in the terms of visual analogue score, bulge size and straight leg raise test.

Editor’s Summary

As a nonoperative treatment for lumbar disc herniation, lumbodorsal muscle training has the potentials to provide better prevention measures for lumbar disc bulge.

Abstract

Objective: To study the effects of prone-positioned upside-done arch exercise, a kind of lumbodorsal muscles training originated from Yoga, on curbing the progression of lumbar disc bulge. Methods: A total of 120 out-patients, diagnosed with lumbar disc bulge by CT and/or MRI, were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group, with 60 patients in each group. Patients in the observation group received the prone-positioned upside-done arch exercise combined with traction and acupuncture for two months and followed with a two-year treatment with prone-positioned upside-done arch exercise while the patients in the control group only received traction and acupuncture for two months. After two years, patients in both groups were investigated for the visual analogue score, MR image and straight leg raise tests. Results: Compared to the control group, prone-positioned upside-done arch exercise combined with traction and acupuncture showed significant decrease in patients’ visual analogue score, bulge size and the positive ratio of straight leg raise test ( P = 0.001, P = 0.001 and P = 0.02 respectively), suggesting the inhibitory effect on the progression of lumber disc bulge. Conclusion: Prone-positioned upside-done arch has the potentials to protect patients with lumbar disc bulge from nerve root compression syndrome.