Objective To investigate the clinical effect of core stability training combined with acupuncture in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain(CLBP). Methods Seventy-five CLBP patients were randomly divided into experimental group(n=38) and control group(n=37) according to a random number table. Patients in the control group were required to perform core stability training

whereas those in the experimental group received core stability training combined with fire needle acupuncture

once every two days

three times per week

for four successive weeks. The Oswestry disability index(ODI)

visual analogue scale(VAS)

lumbar muscular endurance index

clinical efficacy

as well as average electromyographic(AEMG)

root mean square(RMS)

median frequency(MF)

and average median frequency(AMF) values during multifidus muscle contraction in the two groups before and after the treatment were compared. Results After treatment

ODI

VAS

MF

and AMF of the two groups were lower than those before the treatment(P<0.01)

while the lumbar static and dynamic muscular endurance

AEMG

and RMS values were higher(P<0.01). The ODI

VAS

MF

and AMF of the experimental group significantly declined as compared with those of the control group(P<0.01)

whereas the lumbar static and dynamic muscular endurance

AEMG

and RMS values were elevated(P<0.01). The total effective rate of the experimental group was 97.14%(34/35)

higher than 85.71%(30/35) of the control group(P<0.01). Conclusion Core stability training combined with acupuncture effectively enhances lumbar muscular endurance

improves electromyographic signals of multifidus muscle and lumbar function

and relieves pain

implying the good efficacy of such combined therapy in treating CLBP.