Six Weeks Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Training in Obese Postpartum Women With Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The worldwide prevalence of obesity and low back pain (LBP) has recently dramatically increased and is mainly indicated among postpartum women, leading to a range of adverse health consequences. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization training (DNS) in obese postpartum women with LBP. Method: This was a pretest-posttest study design. The study was conducted with 40 obese postpartum women with LBP randomized to receive DNS (n = 20) or General Exercise (GE, n = 20) 6 times a week for 6 weeks. The data were gathered before and after the 6-week intervention. Results: Forty participants completed the study (mean ± SD, age 29.30 ± 3.77 years; weight 88.10 ± 6.09 kg; height 165.40 ± 6.31 cm; and BMI, 32.19 ± 1.07 kg/m2). The overall group-by-time interaction was significant for Numeric Pain-Rating Scale, Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Inspiration and Expiration Breath Hold Time, and Respiratory Rate outcomes. The global rating of change was significantly different between groups (p < .05). The rate of improvement was higher in the DNS group compared to the GE group in all 6 tests. Conclusion: The present study confirms that DNS is applicable in obese postpartum women with LBP and effectively improved NPRS, MODQ, FABQ, BHT, and RR. It is clinically suggested that DNS is imperative based on ideal ontogenetic patterns to attain optimal results for obese postpartum women with LBP.