Chronic Non Specific Low Back Pain, Pain, Core Strength, Quality of Life
Conditions
Keywords
Mind-Body Pilates, pressure biofeedback, chronic Non specific low back pain
Brief summary
Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain means pain in the lower back that lasts for more than 3 months and does not have a serious cause like a fracture, infection, or nerve damage. It is very common and affects many people at some point in their lives. This type of back pain usually happens because the muscles that support your spine become weak or do not work properly. It can also be linked to poor posture, sitting too long, lack of exercise, stress, or anxiety. Over time, this can lead to stiffness, reduced movement, and difficulty doing daily activities. Treatment mainly focuses on exercise and staying active. Simple physiotherapy treatments like stretching, strengthening, and heat therapy can help reduce pain, but they may not fully improve the deeper muscles that support your back. Two helpful exercise approaches are: Mind-Body Pilates: This involves slow, controlled movements with proper breathing. It helps improve posture, strengthen core muscles, and reduce stress. Pressure Biofeedback Training: This uses a small device to help you learn how to correctly activate deep abdominal muscles that support your spine. Both methods can reduce pain and improve movement. Pilates focuses on whole-body control and relaxation, while biofeedback training focuses more on activating specific muscles. In simple terms, regular exercise, good posture, and learning how to properly use your core muscles are key to managing long-term back pain and improving your quality of life.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALMind-Body Pilates
A structured Mind-Body Pilates exercise program focusing on core stability, postural alignment, breathing control, and functional movement patterns. The program includes mat-based exercises targeting deep trunk muscles (transversus abdominis, multifidus) with emphasis on controlled movements and neuromuscular coordination. Sessions will be supervised by a physiotherapist, conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45-60 minutes
BEHAVIORALPressure Biofeedback
A core stabilization exercise program using a pressure biofeedback unit to facilitate activation and control of deep abdominal muscles, particularly the transversus abdominis. Exercises will be performed in progressive positions (supine, sitting, standing) with visual feedback to ensure correct muscle activation. Sessions will be supervised by a physiotherapist, conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes
Sponsors
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
The outcome assessor will be blinded to group allocation. Participants and treating physiotherapists will not be blinded due to the nature of the interventions. All outcome measures will be recorded by an independent assessor who is not involved in treatment allocation or intervention delivery.
Intervention model description
Mind-Body Pilates is a gentle exercise program designed to help reduce back pain and improve strength, posture, and movement. It focuses on slow, controlled movements combined with proper breathing and body awareness. In this program, patients perform specific exercises that target the deep muscles of the abdomen and back, which support the spine. These muscles are important for keeping the lower back stable and preventing pain from coming back. Each session usually includes: Breathing exercises to relax the body and improve control Core strengthening exercises to support the spine Stretching and flexibility exercises to reduce stiffness Posture training to improve body alignment Controlled movements to improve balance and coordination The exercises are done on a mat and are adjusted according to the patient's ability and comfort level. Movements are slow and precise, helping patients focus on how their body moves. Mind-Body Pilates not only improves physical strength but also hel
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age 40-55 years. * Diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain (pain lasting ≥12 weeks). * Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score ≥3. * Able to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent. * Able to participate in the exercise program and attend treatment sessions.
Exclusion criteria
* History of lumbar spine surgery within the past 12 months. * Serious spinal pathology (fracture, tumor, infection, inflammatory disease). * Neurological deficits or radiculopathy requiring surgical management. * Pregnancy. * Participation in a structured Pilates or core stabilization program within the previous 6 months. * Any medical condition that prevents safe participation in exercise.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Numeric Pain Rating Scale | week 6 | Pain intensity will be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). score range from 0 to 10, High score indicating greater pain |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Biofeedback Unit | week 6 | Core muscle strength will be assessed using the Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) and measured in mmHg forPBU. Improvement is indicated by better activation and control of the deep trunk muscles during testing. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
CONTACTMuhammad Muzamil Arif, Masters of Physical Therapy
CONTACTDr. Khizra Hamid
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORProf. Dr. Shoaib Waqas
drshoaibwaqas@gmail.com
Outcome results
None listed