Effect of Mulligan Technique versus Core Stability Exercises on Low Back Pain in Postmenopausal Women

Background: Postmenopausal low back pain (LBP) has become a major worldwide health issue that negatively influences women’s self-perception and quality of life. Mulligan technique and core stability exercises were reported as treatment approaches suggested for management of chronic non-specific LBP in postmenopausal women.
Objective: To compare between the effect of Mulligan technique and core stability exercises on LBP in postmenopausal women.
Patients and Methods: Sixty participants suffering from chronic LBP, aged 50-60 years old, were allocated from the Outpatient Clinic of Obstetric Department of Dar El Salam General Hospital. They were distribited randomly into three equal groups. Study group (A), (n=20) received Mulligan techniques (L 4-5); 30 minutes/session, 3 times/week, and lifestyle modifications advice for 4 weeks, Study group (B), (n=20) received core stability exercises; 30 minutes/session, 3 times/week, and lifestyle modifications advice for 4 weeks, and Control group (C), (n=20) received lifestyle modifications advice, only as in groups (A), and (B). All participants were assessed before and after intervention via measuring pain intensity utilizing Visual Analog Scale, functional disability utilizing Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), lumbar flexion and extension using modified Schober method, and lateral trunk flexion using tape measurement.
Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean values of pain intensity and functional disability, a significant increase in the lumbar flexion and extension ROM, and a significant improvement in the right and left lateral trunk flexion’s mean values in all groups after treatment compared with pretreatment values. Also, there was a statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures post-treatment in favor of group (A) (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Using Mulligan technique was more effective than core stability exercises in the treatment of chronic LBP in postmenopausal women.