Motor Control Exercise

Anti-Thesis Statement
There is evidence that motor control exercise may be of benefit in the treatment of chronic low back pain patient populations. Motor control exercise is based on the idea that low back injuries cause inhibition of core stabilizing muscles, which will then atrophy over time (Hodges & Richardson, 1996; Richardson, Hodges, & Hides, 2007). Costa et al. (2009) found evidence supporting the that idea motor control exercise improves function and patient impression compared to a control group. The control group received detuned ultrasound and short-wave diathermy. While the intervention group received progressive core stabilization exercises (Costa et al., 2009). Costa et al. (2009) found small short- and long-term improvements
(2016) conducted a recent systematic review that compared motor control exercise versus other treatment options for chronic low back pain. The researchers used a grading approach to assess randomized control trials that looked at motor control exercise versus general exercise and/or manual therapy. Motor control exercise was found to be better than no intervention for the treatment of chronic low back pain; however, motor control exercise had no significant effect on disability compared to treatments (Saragiotto et al., 2016). The authors suggested the use of motor control exercise versus other treatment options based on therapist/patient preference, training, and cost of
A placebo study by Costa et al. (2009) found that motor control exercise improved in impression of recovery and function, but not pain. These findings were corroborated by Ferreira et al. (2007), who found improvement in function and perception of recovery. These findings were only at short term and not maintained over the long term. Saragiotto et al. (2016) suggested the use of motor control exercise when consistent with therapist/patient preference, training, and cost of implementation. Magalhaes et al. (2015) found no significant short-term difference in outcomes between traditional physical therapy and motor control exercise. Macedo et al. (2012) found no difference between graded exercise and motor control exercise at short or long term. Motor control, a high-load sling, and general exercise were found to be equally effective as well (Unsgaard-Tøndel et al., 2010). Saner et al. (2015) attempted to sub-classify patients with motor control impairments, but found no difference in long-term outcomes compared to general