Effects of dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises following lumbar microdiscectomy on pain, mobility and return to work. Randomized controlled trial

44 patients scheduled to undergo lumbar microdiscectomy were randomized to either a control group, which participated in a home-based exercise program, or a dynamic lumbar stability (DLS) group, which participated in both the home-based exercise program and a supervised dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise program. Both groups begun allocated exercise programs at 4 weeks after surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises on lumbar spine surgery rehabilitation, including factors such as pain, mobility, fear avoidance beliefs and return to work, measured over 6 months after surgery. Results indicated DLS exercises significantly improved pain, disability, fear avoidance beliefs, and spinal mobility over the duration of the exercise program when compared to those who completed standard home exercises only. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed between groups in return to work.