Background: Nonspecific low back pain is one of the common musculoskeletal disorders in older adults and may be associated with reduced motor function and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effects of eight weeks of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises on motor function, pain, functional disability, and quality of life in older women with nonspecific low back pain.
Methods: In this experimental study, 30 older women aged 60–75 years with nonspecific low back pain were randomly assigned to DNS and PNF groups (15 participants per group). Interventions were performed for eight weeks, with three sessions per week. Outcomes included range of motion, muscular endurance, functional mobility (TUG), pain intensity (VAS), functional disability (ODI), and quality of life (SF-36), assessed at pretest and posttest. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance.
Findings: Both groups showed significant improvements in all variables except the mental component of quality of life (P<0.05). A significant time × group interaction was observed for hip range of motion and lumbar flexion, favoring PNF, and for trunk extensor muscle endurance, favoring DNS. No significant differences in the pattern of change between groups were observed for the other variables.
Conclusion: Both DNS and PNF exercises are effective non-pharmacological interventions for improving clinical and functional outcomes in older women with nonspecific low back pain. Exercise selection may be based on therapeutic goals, with PNF exercises prioritized for improving range of motion and DNS exercises for increasing trunk extensor muscle endurance.