Effects of Combined Strength Training and Stretching on Lumbar Disc Herniation in Older Adults

Öz

This study aimed to investigate the effects of strength and stretching exercises on lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in older adults, focusing on pain reduction, increased mobility, and functional outcomes. Sixteen participants aged 65–75, with LDH diagnoses confirmed via MRI, were assigned to two groups using a non-random method; those unwilling to participate in the exercise program were included in the control group. Group 1 (Combined Strength and Stretching Group – SSG) performed a standard exercise program seven times a week for six weeks, while Group 2 served as the control group receiving no intervention. Baseline demographic and physical characteristics (age, height, weight, BMI) were similar between the groups. Pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), mobility (straight leg raise test), and functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index) were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA, focusing primarily on the group × time interaction; results were reported using F-values, p-values, 95% confidence intervals, and partial eta-squared effect sizes. The two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction regarding pain intensity (VAS: F(1,14)=81.918, p<0.001, η²p=0.854, 95% CI [4.6–6.1]), indicating a markedly greater reduction in pain in the SSG compared to the control group. Similar significant interactions were also observed for mobility (right leg: F(1,14)=197.397, p<0.001, η²p=0.934; left leg: F(1,14)=137.089, p<0.001, η²p=0.907) and functional disability (Oswestry: F(1,14)=120.169, p<0.001, η²p=0.896). These findings indicate that a structured strength and stretching exercise protocol can effectively reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve functional outcomes in elderly individuals with LDH.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Lumbar Disc Herniation
• Older Adults
• Exercise
• Sport

Etik Beyan

The study was approved by the Graduate Ethics Committee of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (approval date and number: 2024-10/11; 2024-YÖNP-0551 and conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Throughout the conduct of the present study, the principles set forth in the ‘Directive on Scientific Research and Publication Ethics of Higher Education Institutions’ were strictly adhered to.

Yaşlılarda Kombine Kuvvet Antrenmanı ve Esneme Hareketlerinin Bel Fıtığı Üzerindeki Etkileri

Öz

Bu çalışma, ağrının azaltılması, hareketliliğin artırılması ve fonksiyonel sonuçlara odaklanarak, yaşlı bireylerde lomber disk hernisi (LDH) üzerine kuvvet ve esneme egzersizlerinin etkilerini araştırmayı amaçlamıştır. MRI ile LDH tanısı doğrulanmış 65–75 yaş arası on altı katılımcı, rastgele olmayan bir yöntemle iki gruba ayrılmış; egzersiz programına katılmak istemeyenler kontrol grubuna dahil edilmiştir. Grup 1 (Kombine Kuvvet ve Esneme Grubu - SSG), altı hafta boyunca haftada yedi kez standart bir egzersiz programı uygularken, Grup 2 herhangi bir müdahale yapılmayan kontrol grubu olarak yer almıştır. Gruplar arasında başlangıçtaki demografik ve fiziksel özellikler (yaş, boy, kilo, VKI) benzerlik göstermiştir. Ağrı şiddeti (Görsel Analog Skalası), hareketlilik (düz bacak kaldırma testi) ve fonksiyonel yetersizlik (Oswestry Yetersizlik İndeksi), başlangıçta ve müdahale sonrasında değerlendirilmiştir. İstatistiksel analizler, öncelikle grup × zaman etkileşimi etkisine odaklanılarak iki yönlü tekrarlanan ölçümlü ANOVA kullanılmış; sonuçlar F değerleri, p değerleri, %95 güven aralıkları ve kısmi eta kare etki büyüklükleri ile raporlanmıştır. İki yönlü tekrarlanan ölçümlü ANOVA, ağrı şiddeti açısından anlamlı bir grup × zaman etkileşimi ortaya koymuş (VAS: F(1,14)=81,918, p<0,001, η²p=0,854, %95 GA [4,6–6,1]) ve bu durum, SSG'de kontrol grubuna kıyasla ağrıda belirgin şekilde daha fazla azalma olduğunu göstermiştir. Benzer anlamlı etkileşimler hareketlilik (sağ bacak: F(1,14)=197,397, p<0,001, η²p=0,934; sol bacak: F(1,14)=137,089, p<0,001, η²p=0,907) ve fonksiyonel yetersizlik (Oswestry: F(1,14)=120,169, p<0,001, η²p=0,896) için de gözlemlenmiştir. Bu bulgular, yapılandırılmış bir kuvvet ve esneme egzersiz protokolünün, LDH'li yaşlı bireylerde ağrıyı etkili bir şekilde azaltabileceğini, hareketliliği artırabileceğini ve fonksiyonel sonuçları iyileştirebileceğini göstermektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Lumber Disk Hernisi
• Yaşlı Yetişkin
• Egzersiz
• Spor

Etik Beyan

u çalışma, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Lisansüstü Etik Kurulu tarafından onaylanmıştır (onay tarihi ve numarası: 2024-10/11; 2024-YÖNP-0551) ve Helsinki Bildirgesi ilkelerine uygun olarak yürütülmüştür. Bu çalışmanın yürütülmesi sürecinde, “Yükseköğretim Kurumlarında Bilimsel Araştırma ve Yayın Etiği Hakkında Yönerge”de belirtilen ilkelere titizlikle uyulmuştur.

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