Motor Control Training Outperforms Strengthening for Chronic Low Back Pain

Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17060520/

This systematic review concluded that motor control retraining leads to better outcomes for chronic low back pain than standard strengthening programs. People with persistent pain often display altered movement patterns — reduced trunk rotation, poor timing between the diaphragm and deep core muscles, pelvic compensation, and protective bracing.

Motor control training improves the coordination and sequencing of movement rather than focusing on muscle size or strength. Participants experienced greater reductions in pain intensity and disability when training targeted their movement patterns and breathing mechanics, rather than just building stronger muscles.

One of the most important findings was that the deep stabilising system (diaphragm, transversus abdominis, pelvic floor, multifidus) operates based on timing — not maximum force. Learning how to move restores the body’s natural stabilising rhythms.

How this connects to FP Brisbane:
FP programming prioritises motor sequencing, rib–pelvis organisation, breathing mechanics, and whole-body integration. We address why movement breaks down, not just where someone hurts. This mirrors the evidence showing that back pain changes when the body’s control system is retrained, not simply strengthened.

Key takeaways:

• Chronic pain alters coordination, not just strength

• Motor control retraining reduces pain more effectively

• Timing between the ribcage, diaphragm, and pelvis is essential

• FP aligns with evidence-based motor control principles