KRONİK BEL AĞRILI HASTALARDA CORE STABİLİTE EGZERSİZLERİNE EK OLARAK UYGULANAN VERTEBRAL AKSİYAL YÜKLENMELİ YÜRÜME EĞİTİMİNİN, AĞRI, GÖVDE DUYUSU, KAS KUVVETİ VE ENDURANSI, DENGE VE PROPRİOSEPSİYON ÜZERİNE OLAN ETKİLERİNİN İNCELENMESİ

Abstract

Kalender, N., Investigation of the Effects of Vertebral Axial Loading Gait Training in Addition to Core Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Trunk Sensation, Muscle Strength and Endurance, Balance, and Proprioception in Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain, Hacettepe University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Orthopedic Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Program, Master's Thesis, Ankara, 2026. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vertebral axial loading walking training added to core stabilization exercises on pain, trunk sensation, muscle strength and endurance, posture, quality of life, functional status, kinesiophobia, balance, and proprioception in individuals with chronic low back pain. Twenty-two individuals with chronic low back pain, with a mean age of 44.55 ± 10.38 years, were included in the study. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: the Core Stabilization Exercise Group (Group 1: CSE, n=11) and the Core Stabilization Exercise plus Vertebral Axial Loading Walking Training Group (Group 2: CSE+VALWT, n=11). Both groups received treatment three times per week for six weeks. Pain, pressure pain threshold, and lumbar range of motion were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, algometer, and universal goniometer, respectively. Posture, muscle strength, balance, and trunk muscle endurance were evaluated using the New York Posture Rating Scale, hand-held dynamometer, Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale, Kraus–Weber Test, and Biering–Sorensen Test, respectively. Proprioception was assessed using MATLAB software, while sensory functions were evaluated through light touch, vibration, graphesthesia, and two-point discrimination tests. Functional status, kinesiophobia, and quality of life were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and EQ-5D-5L, respectively. At the end of the treatment period, significant improvements were observed in pain, functional status, quality of life, muscle strength, muscle endurance, and balance in both groups (p<0.05). Although proprioception improved in both groups, the improvement was more pronounced in Group 2 (p<0.05). Furthermore, greater improvements in muscle endurance, kinesiophobia, certain sensory parameters, and quality of life were observed in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (p<0.05). In conclusion, vertebral axial loading walking training may be an effective complementary rehabilitation approach that provides additional benefits, particularly in sensorimotor control and proprioception, in individuals with chronic low back pain.