Effect of Exercises on Pain, Functional Disability and Lumbar Stability in Patients With Low Back Pain

Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises With and Without Ball on Pain, Functional Disability and Level of Lumbar Stability in Patients With Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain

The purposes of this study are to compare the effects of core stabilization exercises on pain intensity, functional disability and lumbar stability between using and not using the Swiss ball in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain.

For Patient Registries:

The participant was screened for inclusion criteria and was asked to sign the informed consent prior to participate. A randomized control trial was performed with participants randomly divided into one of the two treatment groups: core stabilization exercise with ball and core stabilization exercise without ball by using sealed envelopes.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male and female with low back pain (LBP) > 3 months
2. Body mass index (BMI) = 18-25 kg/m2
3. Non-specific LBP (pain at the lower lumbar between costal margin but not below gluteal fold)
4. Willing and able to perform exercise programs
5. No cognitive impairment
6. Age at least 19 years

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Having experiences in the core stabilization exercise and Swiss ball exercises
2. Past history of back and abdomen surgery
3. Recent fractures of spine, hip or lower limb
4. Current use of steroids or any other drugs for resolving back pain
5. Red flags (fractures, cancer, infection, cauda equine syndrome)
6. Pregnancy
7. Neuromuscular or respiratory disorders
8. Rheumatologic disorders
9. Hip and knee stiffness
10. Pain intensity > 60 of 100 mm assessed by the VAS