A comparative evaluation of core stabilization and back school exercise programs in chronic low back pain management

Abstract

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that significantly impairs daily
functioning and quality of life. Exercise therapy, particularly core stabilization exercises and Back
School programs, are commonly used interventions for CLBP management. This study aims to compare
the effectiveness of these two exercise programs in reducing pain, improving functional disability, and
enhancing lumbar spine range of motion in patients with CLBP.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 40 participants with CLBP, aged 35 to 60 years,
from the physiotherapy outpatient department of Deccan Hospital, Hyderabad. Participants were
randomly assigned to Group A (Back School program) or Group B (core stabilization exercises), with 20
participants in each group. Both interventions were administered four times a week over a 4-week period.
Outcome measures, including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire
(RMDQ), and lumbar spine range of motion (TROM), were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
Data analysis included paired and independent t-tests, with significance set at p≤0.05.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures. Group A's mean VAS
score decreased from 7.4 to 5.52, RMDQ score from 16.65 to 9.45, and TROM increased from 1.585
degrees to 2.09 degrees. Group B demonstrated greater improvements, with VAS decreasing from 7.2 to
2.4, RMDQ from 16.6 to 6.75, and TROM increasing from 1.53 degrees to 2.51 degrees. Group B's
improvements were significantly greater across all measures (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Core stabilization exercises resulted in superior outcomes compared to the Back School
program, suggesting they may be a more effective intervention for managing CLBP. These findings
support the use of core stabilization exercises as a primary therapeutic approach in CLBP management.