Effects of eight weeks of corrective exercises on plantar pressure distribution and lumbar disc structure in women with lumbar disc herniation

 Lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common spinal degenerative disorders, which may cause low back pain (LBP) and subsequently lead to impaired postural motor coordination. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of corrective exercises on plantar pressure distribution and lumbar disc structure in women with lumbar disc herniation.

 In this semi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design, the statistical population included women (aged 45 to 55) with low back pain caused by disc herniation residing in Mashhad. A total of 30 participants were selected as the statistical sample and randomly assigned into two groups: experimental (n=15) and control (n=15). The amount of plantar pressure distribution and the height and structure of the lumbar discs L4-L5 and L5-S1 were measured using a plantar pressure scanner and an MRI, respectively, before and after an 8-week intervention. The training program consisted of 45 to 60 minutes of corrective exercise, three sessions per week for eight weeks. During this period, control group participants did not take part in any regular exercise programs. Significance level was set at P≤0.05.

 At the end of eight weeks of intervention, there were significant differences in pressure distribution of the right foot (P<0.001) and left(P<0.001), lumbar disc height L4-L5(P=0.02), lumbar disc height L5-S1(P=0.04), L4-L5 lumbar disc protrusion(P=0.02), and L5-S1 lumbar disc protrusion(P=0.01) between the experimental and control groups.

 In general, the results of the present study showed that corrective exercises can improve plantar pressure, increase height, and reduce protrusion of the L4-L5 and S1-L5 lumbar discs. Therefore, people with back pain caused by disc herniation can benefit from this corrective exercise program to improve their condition.