Effect of Increasing Back and Abdominal Muscle Strength on Low Back Pain

The method of approach for relief of chronic recurrent backache in women, as described in this study, was the development of muscle power in the abdominal and back musculature through use of a program of progressive resistance exercises. Two groups of subjects were used in the investigation; an experimental group, composed of 19 subjects who complained of painful back symptoms, and a control group consisting of 27 subjects who were free from back pain and abnormality. The results of the study revealed a definite relationship between chronic backache and the strength of the abdominal and back musculature. Symptomatic relief was evident as muscle hypertrophy and power increased.