INTRODUCTION: The lifetime prevalence of mechanical-postural low back pain is estimated at 60-70% in industrialized countries. One of the main factors for back pain is the segmental instability, and to keep the stability is required the interaction of three subsystems: passive, active and neural control. Specific exercises that promote independent contraction of deep muscles of the trunk (transverse abdominus and multifidus) have proven to have beneficial effects in individuals suffering from nonspecific low back pain, suggesting the stimulation of these subsystems. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of segmental stabilization, exercises on pain and functional ability in people with chronic LBP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surveyed 12 young women with an average age of 20.66 ± 3.74 years. Twelve sessions were held for a program frequently segmental stabilization of two times per week, being evaluated on pain (questionnaire McGILL-Br) and functional capacity (Roland-Morris). RESULTS: There was a significant improvement of the mean values of pain index (p < 0.0001), improvement in sensory pain index (p = 0.0024), emotional (p = 0.048), evaluative (p = 0.042) and miscellaneous (p = 0.017) and functional capacity of the individuals (p < 0,0001), after the intervention period. DISCUSSION: Many studies have reported the effectiveness of exercises of deep muscles of the trunk, showing beneficial effects in individuals with low back pain, corroborating with the proposed study. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the segmental stabilization program was effective in reducing pain and improving function in these patients, thus demonstrating to be an effective method of treatment of back pain.
Low back Pain; Exercise therapy; Stabilization; Physical therapy
