This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle exercises and swiss ball exercises in females with non-specific chronic low back pain. The study evaluates pain intensity, disability, lumbar range of motion, and core muscle endurance following different rehabilitation protocols.
Non-specific chronic low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder associated with pain, restricted lumbar mobility, and reduced functional capacity. Weakness of core stabilizing muscles contributes significantly to spinal instability and persistent symptoms. Exercise-based physiotherapy interventions including pelvic floor muscle exercises and swiss ball exercises are commonly used to improve core stability, lumbar mobility, muscle endurance, and pain management. This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of: Baseline physiotherapy alone Baseline physiotherapy combined with swiss ball exercises Baseline physiotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle exercises A total of 69 participants will be randomly allocated into three parallel groups. Outcome measures including pain, disability, lumbar range of motion, and muscle endurance will be assessed before and after intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
69
Baseline physiotherapy includes heating pad application, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises for lumbar stabilization and pain reduction.
Swiss ball exercises include curl-up, bridging, and front plank exercises performed on a swiss ball to improve core stability, balance, and muscle endurance.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises involve repeated contraction and relaxation cycles of pelvic floor muscles to improve core muscle activation, spinal support, and lumbar stability.
University of Lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Change in Pain Severity Measured by Revised Short McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2)
Pain severity and pain quality will be assessed using the Revised Short McGill Pain Questionnaire Version-2 (SF-MPQ-2).
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention
Change in Functional Disability Measured by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Functional disability associated with chronic low back pain will be measured using the Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention
Change in Lumbar Range of Motion Measured by Inclinometer
Lumbar flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation range of motion will be measured using an inclinometer.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention
Change in Core Muscle Endurance Measured by Pressure Biofeedback Unit
Core muscle endurance including transverse abdominis, quadratus lumborum, and pelvic floor muscles will be measured using a pressure biofeedback unit.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.