The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the efficacy of specific stabilisation exercise for spinal and
pelvic pain. Randomised clinical trials evaluating specific stabilisation exercise were identified and retrieved. Outcomes were disability,
pain, return to work, number of episodes, global perceived effect, or health-related quality of life. A single trial reported that specific stabilisation exercise was more effective than no treatment but not more effective than spinal
manipulative therapy for the management of
cervicogenic headache and associated
neck pain. Single trials reported that specific stabilisation exercise was effective for
pelvic pain and for prevention of recurrence after an acute episode of
low back pain but not to reduce
pain or disability associated with acute
low back pain. Pooled analyses revealed that, for chronic
low back pain, specific stabilisation exercise was superior to usual medical care and education but not to
manipulative therapy, and no additional effect was found when specific stabilisation exercise was added to a conventional physiotherapy program. A single trial reported that specific stabilisation exercise and a
surgical procedure to reduce
pain and disability in chronic
low back pain were equally effective. The available evidence suggests that specific stabilisation exercise is effective in reducing
pain and disability in chronic but not acute
low back pain. Single trials indicate that specific stabilisation exercise can be helpful in the treatment of
cervicogenic headache and associated
neck pain,
pelvic pain, and in reducing recurrence after acute
low back pain.