Katja Plaskan1, Maja Pajek1, Miha Vodičar2
1University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport, Slovenia
2University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Orthopedic Clinic, University of Ljubljana, Medical faculty, Chair of orthopedics
Effects of an Individually Structured Exercise Program on Walking Ability in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Pilot Study
Monten. J. Sports Sci. Med. 2026, 15(1), Ahead of Print | DOI: 10.26773/mjssm.260302
Abstract
A limited number of studies in our systematic review suggest that physical exercise may significantly enhance walk- ing ability. Based on these findings, we developed an individualized exercise program primarily incorporating spinal stabilization exercises, mobility drills, and stretching techniques. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a 12-week supervised and individually tailored exercise program on walking ability in patients with lumbar spi- nal stenosis (LSS). A total of 26 patients were included at baseline, with 13 randomly allocated to the experimental group and 13 to the control group. Participants underwent physical performance assessments, including the 6-Min- ute Walk Test (6MWT), the Sit and Reach Test, and McGill’s Torso Muscular Endurance Test Battery. A general linear model with repeated measures was employed to analyse differences between groups. Although no statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups for the 6MWT (p = 0.069), a significant improvement was detected within the experimental group over time. Specifically, a notable increase in walking ability was observed between the first and final measurements (p = 0.001). However, a decline observed in the control group over time, may have influenced the between-group comparisons. While the results indicate significant improvements in walking ability and physical performance tests within the experimental group, it is too early to draw definitive conclusions due to the small sample size and a decline observed in the control group. These results warrant confirmation in larger randomized controlled trials examining long-term functional outcomes.
Keywords
spinal stenosis, program, performance tests, walking ability, motivation
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