Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain
Conditions
Keywords
Chronic Low Back Pain, Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises, Swiss Ball Exercises, Core Stability, Lumbar Pain, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, Exercise Therapy
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle exercises and swiss ball exercises in females with non-specific chronic low back pain. The study evaluates pain intensity, disability, lumbar range of motion, and core muscle endurance following different rehabilitation protocols.
Detailed description
Non-specific chronic low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder associated with pain, restricted lumbar mobility, and reduced functional capacity. Weakness of core stabilizing muscles contributes significantly to spinal instability and persistent symptoms. Exercise-based physiotherapy interventions including pelvic floor muscle exercises and swiss ball exercises are commonly used to improve core stability, lumbar mobility, muscle endurance, and pain management. This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of: Baseline physiotherapy alone Baseline physiotherapy combined with swiss ball exercises Baseline physiotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle exercises A total of 69 participants will be randomly allocated into three parallel groups. Outcome measures including pain, disability, lumbar range of motion, and muscle endurance will be assessed before and after intervention.
Interventions
OTHERBaseline Physiotherapy
Baseline physiotherapy includes heating pad application, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises for lumbar stabilization and pain reduction.
OTHERSwiss Ball Exercises
Swiss ball exercises include curl-up, bridging, and front plank exercises performed on a swiss ball to improve core stability, balance, and muscle endurance.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises involve repeated contraction and relaxation cycles of pelvic floor muscles to improve core muscle activation, spinal support, and lumbar stability.
Sponsors
University of Lahore
University of Lahore Hospital (ULH)
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
The outcome assessor will remain blinded to participant allocation and intervention protocols to minimize assessment bias.
Intervention model description
Participants will be randomly assigned into three parallel groups receiving different exercise-based physiotherapy interventions for chronic non-specific low back pain.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Females aged 18-35 years * Chronic non-specific low back pain for more than 3 months * Restricted lumbar range of motion * Positive straight leg raise test * Positive femoral nerve tension test * Positive slump test * Willing to participate in the study
Exclusion criteria
* Previous or planned spinal surgery * Pelvic floor surgery or abdominal surgery * Pregnancy or postnatal period * Urinary incontinence * Neurological motor weakness or deformity * Spinal stenosis * Osteoporosis * Disc herniation * Degenerative or inflammatory spinal conditions
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Pain Severity Measured by Revised Short McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) | Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention | Pain severity and pain quality will be assessed using the Revised Short McGill Pain Questionnaire Version-2 (SF-MPQ-2). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Functional Disability Measured by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) | Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention | Functional disability associated with chronic low back pain will be measured using the Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire. |
| Change in Lumbar Range of Motion Measured by Inclinometer | Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention | Lumbar flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation range of motion will be measured using an inclinometer. |
| Change in Core Muscle Endurance Measured by Pressure Biofeedback Unit | Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention | Core muscle endurance including transverse abdominis, quadratus lumborum, and pelvic floor muscles will be measured using a pressure biofeedback unit. |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed