The effects of Gyrotonic expansion system exercise and trunk stability exercise on muscle activity and lumbar stability for the subjects with chronic low back pain

The Gyrotonic expansion system comprises three-dimensional (3D) spinal motion that not only improves functional spinal motion but also increases muscular strength and flexibility around the spine. This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical effect of Gyrotonic exercise on patients with chronic low back pain by comparing between Gyrotonic and trunk stability exercises. This study included 26 subjects with chronic low back pain patients and who were randomly assigned to the Gyrotonic exercise group or trunk stability exercise group. Each group performed their exercises 3 times a week for 4 weeks. All subjects were measured before and after the exercise for muscles activity of the erector spinae (ES), rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) using surface electromyography. Lumbar stability was measured using a 3D spine tester, and functional disability was measured using the Korean Oswestry disability index. In the Gyrotonic exercise group, ES and EO muscle activity significantly increased (P<0.05). In the trunk stability exercise group, ES, EO, and RA muscle activity significantly increased (P<0.05). No differences in muscle activity were found between the groups. Both groups showed significant improvements in lumbar stability and functional disability but no significant differences were noted between the groups. Gyrotonic exercise and trunk stability exercise are encouraged owing to their positive effects on muscle activity, lumbar stability, and functional ability in patients with chronic low back pain. We suggest that Gyrotonic exercise is one of the effective exercise for mitigating chronic low back pain caused by spinal instability.