The effect of core stabilization exercises on balance and quality of life in chronic period in individuals with lumbar disc herniation

This study was carried out to examine the effect of core stabilization exercises on balance and quality of life in the chronic period in individuals with lumbar disc herniation. Forty patients aged 45-65 years who had been diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation at least one year ago were included in the study. By randomization, they were divided into 2 groups of 20 people, each being the treatment and the control group. A self-prepared form for patient demographic information, McGill Pain Scale and Visual Analog Scale for pain assessment; Diasu Gait Analysis Device and Berg Balance Scale for static balance assessment; Timed Up and Go Test, Y Balance Diagram, Functional Reach Test to evaluate dynamic balance; Tinetti Fall Efficiency Scale for assessing falls; The Oswestry Disorder Scale and Nottingham Health Profile were used to assess quality of life and functionality. To evaluate proprioceptive sensation, ankle joint position sense was measured in standing, neutral position (0˚) and angular measurement in 10˚ dorsiflexion. After the questionnaires and measurement tools were completed, the patients were included in the program. While the patients in the control group continued their routine lives, the clinic pilates exercise program focused on core stabilization was applied to the patients in the treatment group for 8 weeks, 2 days a week for 50 minutes and in 4 groups. After the treatment process was completed, the questionnaires and measurements were repeated. Dynamic balance, functionality and quality of life were improved in the treatment group (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of static balance (p>0.05). While improvement was achieved in proprioceptive measurements in the treatment group (p<0.05), no significant difference was observed in the control group (p>0.05). Core stabilization training was determined to be an effective method to improve proprioceptive sense, balance and quality of life. We recommend that modified pilates training can be safely used in elderly groups as a supportive and protective physiotherapy model to improve balance and quality of life in individuals with lumbar disc herniation. Keywords: Lumbar Disc Herniation, Chronic Period, Balance, Core Stabilization, Proprioception