COMPARING THE EFFICACY OF CORE STABILITY EXERCISES AND CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LOWER BACK PAIN: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: LBP is defined as; pain, stiffness or muscle tightness in the lumber region, below the costal margin and above the inferior gluteal folds (approximately, b/w the lower ribs and the top of the legs), with pain radiating to either both legs, one leg or no radiation. It is the most frequent musculoskeletal condition and because of its social, economic and psychological impact, it is a big public health problem worldwide.   Objective: To compare the effectiveness of core stability exercises versus conventional physical therapy in the management of patients with LBP. Methodology: A randomized control trial was conducted in Rehman Medical Institute from July 2017 to December 2017. Patients were randomly assigned to Group A and Group B using lottery method. Data was collected from 60 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Patients in the Group a Received Core stability exercises for 30 minutes three times a week for four weeks. Patients in the Group B received Conventional physiotherapy for 30 minutes three times a week for four weeks. Pre-treatment and post-treatment evaluation of pain and function were done using VAS and MODI questionnaire, respectively. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results:  The mean ages of both groups were 29.70 and 30.86years. Out of 60 patients 2 (3.33%) were female and 58 (96.66%) were male. There was no significant difference at the baseline in Group A and Group B in terms of age, Pre-VAS and Pre-MODI (P>0.05). There was significant improvement of pain and functional status in Group A and B as Post-VAS (0.038) and Post-MODI (0.02) which showed significant difference.   Conclusion: This study concluded that both treatment strategies were effective in decreasing pain and improving functional status in the treatment of patients with LBP but the CSE remained more effective that CPT in the treatment of patients with LBP. Therefore, the study recommended core stability exercises in the management of patients with LBP. Keywords: Lower back pain, Visual Analogue Scale, modified disability questionaire, core stability exercises.