None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined diaphragmatic and core stabilization exercise program in adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain. The study will compare the effects of conventional core stabilization exercises alone versus the same exercises combined with diaphragmatic mobilization. Primary outcomes include diaphragm thickness and thickening fraction, while secondary outcomes include pain intensity, abdominal wall thickness, lumbar flexibility, urinary incontinence, and functional disability. The study will provide insights into the role of diaphragmatic function in low back pain rehabilitation.
Interventions
Experimental Group:
Participants will perform the same core stabilization exercises as the control group, in addition to six diaphragmatic and costal mobilization exercises:
1. Supine diaphragmatic breathing with knees flexed
2. Right lateral diaphragmatic breathing
3. Left lateral diaphragmatic breathing
4. Diaphragmatic breathing in quadruped position
5. Seated diaphragmatic breathing
6. 90/90/90 diaphragmatic breathing (supine with hips, knees, and ankles at 90° flexion)
Each exercise
Experimental Group: Participants will perform the same core stabilization exercises as the control group, in addition to six diaphragmatic and costal mobilization exercises: 1. Supine diaphragmatic breathing with knees flexed 2. Right lateral diaphragmatic breathing 3. Left lateral diaphragmatic breathing 4. Diaphragmatic breathing in quadruped position 5. Seated diaphragmatic breathing 6. 90/90/90 diaphragmatic breathing (supine with hips, knees, and ankles at 90° flexion) Each exercise will be performed for 2 sets of 5 repetitions, totaling approximately 10 minutes of additional time compared to the control group. The full session including both control and experimental group exercises lasts approximately 35 minutes. Sessions will be delivered individually in-person at a physiotherapy clinic setting (Olimpyafisio Clinic, Rivas-Vaciamadrid, Madrid, Spain). To monitor intervention fidelity, the physiotherapist will maintain attendance logs, and participants will record compliance using a paper exercise diary verified at each session. The sessions will be realized individually.
Sponsors
Universidad Europea de Madrid
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
30 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Adults aged 30 to 60 years Chronic nonspecific low back pain for at least 3 months No radiculopathy, respiratory, or cardiac conditions
Exclusion criteria
Pregnancy Radiculopathies Chronic respiratory or cardiac diseases Autoimmune, neurological, or spinal cord conditions Phrenic nerve paralysis Abdominal surgeries (e.g., abdominoplasty) Bladder or uterine prolapse Recent treatment within the last 2 weeks
Outcome results
None listed