• Long-Huei Lin, Ting-Yu Lin, Ke-Vin Chang, Wei-Ting Wu, and Levent Özçakar.
• School of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
• Spine. 2024 Nov 1; 49 (21): 151215201512-1520.

Study DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the effectiveness of lumbar segmental stabilization exercise (LSSE) in managing spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.Summary Of Background DataSpondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are spinal disorders associated with lumbar segmental instability. LSSE has shown positive effects in treating these conditions; however, systematic reviews and meta-analyses are lacking.Materials And MethodsA systematic search adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, including studies from the inception of the databases used up to January 2024, was conducted. Disability improvement and pain intensity change were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively, standardized using Hedges g . Eligible articles underwent independent scrutiny by two authors, who also performed data extraction and quality assessment. Data pooling was accomplished using a random-effects model.ResultsIn total, five randomized controlled trials comprising 198 participants were included, revealing a trend effect toward disability improvement in the LSSE group (Hedges g =-0.598, 95% CI: -1.211 to 0.016, P =0.056, I2 =75.447%). When the LSSE was administered as a single treatment, disability improvement became significant (Hedge g =-1.325, 95% CI: -2.598 to -0.053, P =0.041, I2 =80.020%). No significant effect of LSSE on pain reduction was observed (Hedges g =-0.496, 95% CI: -1.082 to 0.090, P =0.097, I2 =73.935%).ConclusionsIn summary, our meta-analysis suggests that LSSE can potentially improve disability, especially when used as a single treatment. LSSE appears more beneficial in reducing disability than alleviating pain. Future research on different patient groups is needed to understand comprehensively LSSE's effects on other musculoskeletal disorders.Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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