Abstract
Objects: This study is designed to analysis improvement and maintaince of trunk stability targeting patients who need post operative rehabilitation exercise after undergoing opened microscopic laser discectomy(OMLD) due to HNP. Method: Between March 2004 and February 2005 a total sixty patients who underwent OMLD due to $L_4/L_5$, $L_5/S_1$ HNP and who agreed to the experiment were subject for this study. Experimental group consisted of 18 subjects, and they underwent 45 minutes dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise And control group consisted of 18 subjects who conducted conservative physical therapy based on the use of physical modality for 45 minutes except to exercise. Results: Experimental group that was lumbar extensor's isometric peak torque, weight distribution of both leg, trunk muscle balance and Oswestry LBP disability index increased during 12 weeks in a statistically significant manner compared to before exercise (p<.05). When re-test was tried, isometric peak torque (p>.05) and Oswestry LBP disability index(p<.05) maintained 12th week level or improved. Weight distribution rate of both leg and trunk muscle balance maintained the level of 8th week of exercise execution(p<.05). Control group that was lumbar extensor's isometric peak torque, weight distribution rate of both leg and trunk muscle balance aggravated during 12 weeks compared to pre-test(p>.05) But, Oswestry LBP disability index increased in a statistically significant level compared to pre-test(p<.05). When re-test was tried, isometric peak torque increased slightly compared to pre-test, but decreased when at least $60^{\circ}$ flexion angle(p>.05). Weight distribution rate of both leg and trunk muscle balance also aggravated compared to pre-test(p>.05), and Oswestry LBP disability index was similar to the 4th week of physical therapy execution(p>.05). Conclusion: Successive postoperative Especially, Application of dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise program is important than traditional lumbar strengthening exercise program in the maintaince of spinal stability.