Core Muscle Response to Backward Walking in Patients With Non Specific Low Back Pain

Core Muscle Response to Backward Walking in Patients With Non Specific Low Back Pain

evaluation of core muscles endurance and strength following backward walking training programe

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Isokinetic laboratory, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, to investigate the effect of backward walking training on core muscles strength and endurance, pain severity, and disability level in subjects with NSLBP. Sixty females clinically diagnosed with nonspecific low back pain with age range from 18-45 years will participate in the study. They will be randomly assigned into 3 groups according to the received intervention; backward walking group (BWG), core stability group (CSG), and control group (CG). The isokinetic strength of trunk muscles, and hip extensors and abductors will be evaluated in a concentric mode of muscle contraction. McGill's core endurance tests will be used to examine participants' core endurance. The visual analog scale will be used for measuring the pain intensity. The oswestry disability index will be used to assess pain related disability and quality of life in subjects with LBP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants will be included if they have a history of LBP for more than 6 weeks before the study, or experienced at least 3 episodes of LBP each lasting more than one week, during the year before the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants will be excluded if they have:

  1. LBP as a result of a specific spinal condition (e.g. spondylolisthesis, or spinal stenosis).
  2. Previous abdominal or spinal surgery.
  3. Serious spinal conditions (e.g., vertebral fracture, tumor or infection).
  4. Severe musculoskeletal deformity (scoliosis or kyphosis).
  5. Inflammatory disorders (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis).
  6. Radicular symptoms consistent with a disc herniation, or cauda equina syndrome.
  7. Pain and dysfunction in the upper and lower extremity that would interfere with testing.
  8. Current pregnancy.
  9. Marked leg length discrepancy greater than 2 cm.