The purpose of this trial was to examine the effectiveness of an extension-oriented treatment approach (EOTA) in a subgroup of subjects with low back pain (LBP) who were hypothesized to benefit from the treatment compared with similar subjects who received a lumbar spine strengthening exercise program. Subjects with LBP and symptoms distal to the buttocks that centralized with extension movements attended 8 physical therapy sessions and completed a home exercise program. Follow-up data were obtained at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 6 months. Subjects in the EOTA group experienced greater improvements in disability compared with subjects who received trunk strengthening exercises.
This study demonstrates that an EOTA can be more effective than trunk strengthening exercise in the subgroup of subjects who present with LBP and symptoms distal to the buttocks that centralized with extension movements.
Physical Therapy, 2007, 87(12), 1608-1618