The Impact of Lumbar Stabilization and Thoracic Mobilization Exercises on Pain, Disability and Quality of Life in Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adding thoracic mobilization to lumbar stabilization exercises for managing chronic low back pain (CLBP). Fifty-four CLBP patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the Lumbar Stabilization (LS) group and the Lumbar Stabilization plus Thoracic Mobilization (LS+TM) group. Pain intensity, functional disability, and quality of life were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Quebec Low Back Pain Disability Scale (QLPSD), and EuroQOL-5D-3L, respectively. Both groups participated in a six-week intervention with three sessions per week. Significant improvements were observed in pain intensity, functional disability, and quality of life for both groups (p < 0.05). However, post-intervention analyses indicated that the LS+TM group experienced superior reductions in functional disability and greater enhancements in quality of life compared to the LS group (p < 0.05). While both exercise regimens were effective in managing CLBP, the addition of thoracic mobilization to lumbar stabilization exercises provided more significant benefits in functional recovery and overall well-being.