Low Back Pain, Pelvic Malalignment, Postural Imbalance
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aimed to investigate whether a three-dimensional nuchal exercise program is associated with changes in pelvic alignment and low back pain in adults. Thirty participants with low back pain performed a structured cervical exercise program for four weeks, including horizontal, sagittal, and diagonal movements. Pelvic tilt angle and pain intensity were measured before and after the intervention. The findings of this study may provide preliminary evidence supporting a potential relationship between cervical movement and pelvic alignment, contributing to the understanding of regional interdependence in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
Detailed description
Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that can lead to functional limitation and reduced quality of life. Traditional rehabilitation approaches often focus on the lumbar and pelvic regions; however, emerging evidence suggests that different body regions may be functionally interconnected. The concept of regional interdependence proposes that impairments in one anatomical region may contribute to dysfunction in another. The cervical spine plays an important role in postural control due to its rich proprioceptive input and its interaction with visual and vestibular systems. Therefore, cervical movement may influence postural alignment and neuromuscular control throughout the body. This study was designed as a single-group, pre-post interventional study to explore the effects of a three-dimensional nuchal exercise program on pelvic alignment and pain intensity. Participants with low back pain were instructed to perform a structured exercise program consisting of horizontal rotation, sagittal flexion-extension, and diagonal (star-pattern) cervical movements. Pelvic alignment was assessed using photographic analysis, and pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS). Measurements were conducted before and after the intervention period. This study is considered a preliminary (pilot) investigation. The results may provide initial evidence for cervico-pelvic interaction and inform the design of future controlled trials.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALThree-Dimensional Nuchal Exercise Program
A structured cervical exercise program consisting of three components: horizontal rotation, sagittal flexion-extension, and diagonal (star-pattern) movements. Participants performed 20 repetitions for each movement while maintaining an upright posture. The program was performed over a four-week period.
Sponsors
Yuanpei University of Medical Technology
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
This was an open-label study with no blinding of participants or investigators.
Intervention model description
This is a single-group, pre-post interventional study in which all participants received the same three-dimensional nuchal exercise program. Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
30 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged 30 to 60 years * Individuals who reported experiencing low back pain within the previous 6 months * Ability to stand independently and perform exercise tasks * Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent-
Exclusion criteria
* \- History of severe head or neck injury * Previous spinal surgery * Active infectious disease or uncontrolled malignancy * Cognitive impairment affecting the ability to follow instructions * Any condition affecting the ability to stand or walk independently
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pelvic Tilt Angle | Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention | Pelvic alignment was assessed by measuring the pelvic tilt angle using digital photographic analysis. The angle was defined as the deviation from horizontal alignment based on anatomical landmarks. |
Countries
Taiwan
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORYU-AN CHEN, PT, PhD
Yuanpei University of Medical Technology
Outcome results
None listed