Publications

Background: This study investigated the combined effects of self-myofascial release (SMR) and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises on pain, balance, muscle function, and autonomic nervous system regulation in women with chronic low back pain.

Material and Methods: Forty women with chronic low back pain, recruited from an exercise center in Seongnam City, were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The experimental group performed 20 minutes of SMR followed by 30 minutes of DNS exercises, while the control group performed 30 minutes of DNS alone. Both groups participated in biweekly sessions for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, functional reach test (FRT) for static balance, Y-balance test for dynamic balance, the supine bridge test for muscle endurance, the sit-and-reach test for flexibility, and MyotonPRO assessments for muscle tone and stiffness. Functional disability was evaluated using the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and autonomic nervous system regulation was assessed using the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) via the SA-3000new pulse wave meter. This trial was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS; KCT0010401).

Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all post-intervention outcome measures (p<0.05). However, the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in pain, balance, muscle function, flexibility, muscle tone, disability, and SDNN (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The integration of SMR with DNS exercises provided superior benefits compared to DNS alone. This combined approach may serve as an effective clinical strategy to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance autonomic regulation in women with chronic low back pain.

Keywords: autonomic nervous system, low back pain, muscles, myofascial release therapy, postural balance

This study investigating the synergistic effects of SMR and DNS exercises on pain, balance, muscle function (muscle endurance, flexibility, tension, and stiffness), KODI, and the autonomic nervous system in 40 women identified significant differences in group interactions for pain, balance, muscle function, KODI, and autonomic nervous system SDNN (p<0.05).

In this study, we investigated the effects of SMR and DNS exercises on women with chronic low back pain, the most common type of low back pain, which is characterized by functional movement limitations and rigid posture, resulting in difficulties with balance and daily function. The combination of SMR and DNS exercises exhibited a significant improvement in pain relief, balance, muscle function (muscle endurance, flexibility, tone, and stiffness), KODI and autonomic nervous system stress reduction to the extent that the combination of SMR and DNS exercises could be considered an effective intervention method. The combination of SMR and DNS exercises was more effective than DNS exercises alone.