70 patients with sub-acute low back pain (LBP) and movement control impairment were randomized to receive either specific movement control exercise or general exercise (control) in combination with manual therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference in clinical outcomes between general and specified therapies for improving disability. The findings of this study indicated a significantly greater improvement in disability form baseline, assessed by the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, and significantly less need for pain medications in the specific movement control exercise group compared to the control group after 12 months. Patient-specific functional scale scores demonstrated a significantly greater improvement from baseline values in the specific movement control exercise group compared to the Control group at 12 months, but not at 3 months. The Oswestry Disability Index, need for other treatment methods, the number of absences from work, and patient satisfaction were comparable between groups.