Effects of Task-Specific Trunk Control and Postural Endurance Training On Functional Movement Adaptability and Disability Following Lumbar Spine Fusion: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Functional limitations may persist following lumbar spine fusion despite successful surgical management. Reduced trunk control and postural endurance can interfere with functional recovery and activities of daily living. Task-specific rehabilitation may help restore efficient movement patterns and improve postoperative function. The aim is to evaluate the effects of task-specific trunk control and postural endurance training on functional movement adaptability and disability in patients following lumbar spine fusion surgery. Material and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted at Hi-Tech Hospital, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from January 2021 to January 2022. A total of 75 patients who had undergone lumbar spine fusion and were referred for postoperative physiotherapy rehabilitation were included. Participants underwent a structured programme consisting of task-specific trunk control exercises and postural endurance training. Functional movement adaptability and disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were assessed before and after the intervention. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 48.6 ± 9.7 years, and 57.3% were male. Functional movement adaptability improved significantly from 42.7 ± 8.6 before intervention to 61.9 ± 9.1 after intervention (p<0.001). The mean ODI score decreased significantly from 41.8 ± 10.3 to 25.6 ± 9.2 (p<0.001). Improvement in functional movement adaptability showed a moderate positive correlation with reduction in disability (r=0.58, p<0.001). Conclusion: Task-specific trunk control and postural endurance training was associated with improved functional movement adaptability and reduced disability following lumbar spine fusion. This approach may be a useful component of postoperative physiotherapy rehabilitation.

Keywords: Lumbar spine fusion; Task-specific training; Trunk control; Postural endurance; Functional movement; Oswestry Disability Index; Physiotherapy rehabilitation.