Core Endurance Versus Segmental Stabilization Exercise in Recreational Athletes With Low Back Pain

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Core endurance exercise program: Supervised isometric core endurance training comprising the front plank, side plank, and superman plank. Each exercise: 20 repetitions of a 15-second isometric hold, two sets, 3-minute rest between sets. Three sessions per week for six weeks.

Segmental stabilization exercise program: Supervised motor-control training targeting the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus, comprising quadruped stabilization, supine transversus abdominis activation with knees flexed, prone lumbar multifidus activation, and standing postural control with co-activation of both muscles. Three sessions per week for six weeks.

Study summary

Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint among athletes, and most cases are classified as non-specific low back pain, in which no clear anatomical or pathological source of pain can be identified. Recreational athletes, who exercise regularly for health and fitness rather than for competition, often have less structured training planning and technical supervision than professional athletes, which may increase their susceptibility to musculoskeletal complaints. Core stability has become an important consideration in the prevention and management of low back pain. The core region includes the abdominal muscles, paraspinal muscles, diaphragm, and pelvic floor muscles, and plays an important role in maintaining spinal stability. Reduced activation and endurance of these muscles may increase the load on the lumbar spine and contribute to the development of low back pain. This randomized trial compares two exercise approaches in recreational athletes with non-specific low back pain: a core endurance exercise program and a segmental stabilization exercise program targeting the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus. Participants are randomly assigned to one of the two programs, both delivered three days per week for six weeks under physiotherapist supervision. Pain and functional status, dynamic balance, and core muscle endurance are assessed before the program and at the end of the six-week program.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in low back pain and functional status (Micheli Functional Scale) — Baseline (week 0) and at the end of the six-week exercise program (week 6)
  The Micheli Functional Scale is a five-item scale developed to assess low back pain related functional impairment and pain related changes in performance in athletes. It comprises one symptom question, three activity questions (extension, flexion, and jumping), and a visual analogue scale section. The symptom question is scored from 0 to 5; the activity questions are scored from 0 to 4 for extension, from 0 to 3 for flexion, and from 0 to 3 for jumping. The visual analogue scale section provides a 10-point assessment on a 10 cm line. The total score is calculated out of 25 and multiplied by 4 to produce a standardized score from 0 to 100. Lower scores indicate better functional status and higher scores indicate greater functional impairment.

Trial sites (1)

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