Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Mental Participation During Lumbar Stabilization and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of incorporating synchronized voluntary muscle activation and active motor engagement during neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) into a lumbar stabilization exercise program in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. Thirty-six individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain were randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups participated in an 8-week lumbar stabilization exercise program combined with NMES, administered twice weekly. The experimental group performed synchronized voluntary muscle activation and active motor engagement during NMES, whereas the control group received NMES without voluntary muscle activation. Pain intensity, disability, trunk endurance, lumbopelvic motor control, stabilization parameters, depression, fear-avoidance beliefs, and trunk range of motion were assessed to evaluate the effects of the intervention.