PRELIMS: LBP Flashcards
Q: What are the three fundamental interventions for spinal impairments?
Kinesthetic training – Awareness of spinal motion and posture
Stabilization training – Core and segmental muscle control
Functional training – Safe body mechanics and movement patterns
Q: What are the five components of an effective exercise intervention for LBP?
Kinesthetic awareness – Training proprioception and postural control
Mobility/Flexibility – Stretching and movement exercises
Muscle Performance – Core stabilization and strengthening
Cardiopulmonary Endurance – Aerobic exercises
Functional Activities – Applying proper movement patterns in daily life
Q: What spinal movements should be avoided in specific conditions?
Avoid extension if pain does not centralize or if there is saddle anesthesia
Avoid flexion if symptoms worsen or radiate
Q: What are key elements of kinesthetic training for LBP?
Awareness of neutral spine position
Learning the effects of movement on the spine
Combining kinesthetic training with stabilization exercises
Q: What are effective self-stretching techniques for lumbar flexion?
Hook-lying knee-to-chest stretch
Quadruped posterior pelvic tilt
Child’s pose with hip flexion
Q: What are effective self-stretching techniques for lumbar extension?
Prone press-up (Cobra stretch)
Standing lumbar extension
Quadruped spinal sag
Q: How is manual lumbar traction performed?
A: By stabilizing the thorax and applying gentle traction to the spine, either through hip flexion, extension, or lateral bending.
Q: What are key principles of stabilization training?
Start with kinesthetic awareness before strengthening
Activate deep core muscles (transversus abdominis & multifidus)
Progress from supported positions to functional movements
Q: What is the role of the multifidus in core stability?
A: It provides segmental stabilization by preventing excessive spinal motion.
Q: How is the drawing-in maneuver performed for core activation?
Assume quadruped or supine position
Breathe out and gently draw belly button inward
Maintain neutral spine while activating transversus abdominis
Q: How is multifidus activation performed?
In prone or side-lying position, palpate just lateral to the spinous processes
Ask the patient to swell the muscle outward
Facilitate by applying manual resistance to the thorax or pelvis
Q: What are progressions of core stabilization exercises?
Quadruped limb loading (Bird-dog)
Side plank for quadratus lumborum
Bridge exercises with alternating leg lifts
Dynamic stabilization using gym balls or unstable surfaces
Q: How should plank exercises be progressed?
Start with elbows and knees → elbows and toes
Add alternating leg or arm lifts
Use gym ball or unstable surfaces
Q: What are guidelines for aerobic training in LBP patients?
Target heart rate: 50–85% of max HR
Frequency: 3–5x per week
Duration: 20–30 min of continuous activity
Q: What are effective trunk flexion (abdominal) exercises?
Curl-ups (supine)
Diagonal curl-ups (oblique focus)
Pelvic lifts (hip thrusts)
Q: What are advanced abdominal exercises for LBP patients?
Double knee to chest
Bilateral straight leg raise
Unstable surface curl-ups
Q: What are effective trunk extension exercises?
Thoracic extension (prone)
Quadruped lumbar extension (cat-cow motion)
Superman exercise (prone with limb lifts)
Q: What are low-impact aerobic exercises recommended for LBP?
Walking
Swimming (breaststroke, backstroke preferred)
Q: How can swimming strokes affect the spine?
Freestyle: May worsen cervical pain (requires head rotation)
Breaststroke: Encourages lumbar extension
Backstroke: Keeps spine in a neutral position, reducing stress
Q: What functional movements should be retrained in LBP rehab?
Rolling in bed
Sit-to-stand transitions
Lifting mechanics
Car transfers
Q: How should body mechanics be adapted to prevent LBP recurrence?
Maintain neutral spine during activities
Avoid prolonged spinal flexion
Use hip hinge movement when bending
Q: What home exercise components should be included in LBP prevention?
Flexibility (lumbar and hip stretches)
Muscle endurance (core exercises)
Aerobic conditioning
Q: What are wall slide exercises used for?
Strengthening the glutes and quads while maintaining a neutral spine
Q: What are key education points for LBP prevention?
Maintain good posture throughout daily activities
Continue core strengthening and flexibility exercises
Modify work and home environments to support spine health
