Publication:

Effect of supervised exercise therapy program on the pain, disability, lumbar spine mobility and back muscle endurance in chronic non specific low-back pain patients: a quasi-experimental design

Background Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that leads to pain, functional limitation, and reduced spinal mobility. Exercise therapy is widely recommended; however, the effectiveness of supervised exercise interventions requires further evaluation. This study aimed to determine the effect of supervised exercise therapy on pain, disability, lumbar spine mobility, and back extensor muscle endurance in patients with CNSLBP.

Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted on participants diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain. All participants underwent a 12-week supervised exercise therapy program that consisted of motor control exercises, strengthening, and stretching exercises. Outcome measures included pain intensity using the visual analogue scale (VAS), disability using the Oswestry disability index (ODI), spinal mobility using Schober’s flexion and extension tests, and back extensor endurance using the Sorenson test. Pre- and post-intervention values were statistically analyzed, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results Significant reductions were found in mean pain scores (VAS: 56.73 to 31.22, p<0.001) and disability levels (ODI: 24.33 to 12.72, p<0.001). There were notable improvements in back extensor endurance (Sorenson test: 28.68 to 51.27 seconds, p<0.001) and lumbar spine mobility in both flexion (Schober’s flexion: 4.79 to 6.0 cm, p<0.001) and extension (2.8 to 3.8 cm, p<0.001).

Conclusion Twelve weeks of supervised exercise therapy produced significant improvements in pain reduction, functional ability, lumbar spine mobility, and back extensor endurance among individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. These findings support the incorporation of supervised exercise programs as an effective therapeutic approach for managing CNSLBP.