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Volume 16, Issue 2 (Spring 2026)
PTJ 2026, 16(2): 221-232 |
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Alarab A, Abu Aker M. Core Stability Exercises With Conventional Therapy versus Conventional Therapy in the Management of Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PTJ 2026; 16 (2) :221-232
URL: http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-728-en.html
URL: http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-728-en.html
1- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies and Research, Palestine Ahliya University, Bethlehem, Palestine.
Abstract: (1187 Views)
Purpose: The study aimed to assess the efficacy of core stability exercises (CSE) versus conventional therapy in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) in the management of pain, disability, and fear-avoidance beliefs.
Methods: A randomized single-blind controlled trial was conducted from April to September 2024 at Celina Care Clinic and Al Shifa’ Specialized Complex in Bethlehem, Palestine, to compare the effects of CSE combined with conventional treatment therapy (CTT) versus CTT alone in adult patients with CNLBP. Sixty eligible patients were randomly assigned using computer-generated probability sampling by an independent researcher, with the allocation concealed in sealed envelopes. The intervention lasted four weeks, with three sessions per week for each group. Group A received CSE+CTT (hot packs, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and massage therapy), while Group B received only CTT. Outcome measures, including the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and fear-avoidance belief questionnaire (FABQ), were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
Results: The study demonstrated that combining CSE with CTT significantly improved outcomes compared to CTT alone in patients with CNLBP. The CSE+CTT group showed greater reductions in pain levels (VAS: -4.70 vs -2.36, effect size 1.51, P<0.001), (FABQ-work subscale [FABQW]: -13.3 vs -3.76, effect size 2.58, P<0.001) and (FABQ-physical activity subscale [FABQPA]: -7.93 vs -2.26, effect size 2.77, P<0.001), as well as disability (ODI: -14.53% vs -5.13%, effect size 2.03, P<0.001). These findings highlight the efficacy of incorporating CSE into standard treatment for CNLBP.
Conclusion: This study examined the effects of adding stability exercises to traditional therapy on fear-avoidance beliefs. Although therapeutic exercises are well studied, this research is novel in using the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire to evaluate the added benefit of stability exercises, emphasizing their role in addressing psychological aspects of rehabilitation. While limited by a small sample size, short follow-up, and recruitment from two centers, the findings suggest that integrating stability exercises into conventional care may improve psychological outcomes in patients with CNLBP.
Methods: A randomized single-blind controlled trial was conducted from April to September 2024 at Celina Care Clinic and Al Shifa’ Specialized Complex in Bethlehem, Palestine, to compare the effects of CSE combined with conventional treatment therapy (CTT) versus CTT alone in adult patients with CNLBP. Sixty eligible patients were randomly assigned using computer-generated probability sampling by an independent researcher, with the allocation concealed in sealed envelopes. The intervention lasted four weeks, with three sessions per week for each group. Group A received CSE+CTT (hot packs, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and massage therapy), while Group B received only CTT. Outcome measures, including the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and fear-avoidance belief questionnaire (FABQ), were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
Results: The study demonstrated that combining CSE with CTT significantly improved outcomes compared to CTT alone in patients with CNLBP. The CSE+CTT group showed greater reductions in pain levels (VAS: -4.70 vs -2.36, effect size 1.51, P<0.001), (FABQ-work subscale [FABQW]: -13.3 vs -3.76, effect size 2.58, P<0.001) and (FABQ-physical activity subscale [FABQPA]: -7.93 vs -2.26, effect size 2.77, P<0.001), as well as disability (ODI: -14.53% vs -5.13%, effect size 2.03, P<0.001). These findings highlight the efficacy of incorporating CSE into standard treatment for CNLBP.
Conclusion: This study examined the effects of adding stability exercises to traditional therapy on fear-avoidance beliefs. Although therapeutic exercises are well studied, this research is novel in using the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire to evaluate the added benefit of stability exercises, emphasizing their role in addressing psychological aspects of rehabilitation. While limited by a small sample size, short follow-up, and recruitment from two centers, the findings suggest that integrating stability exercises into conventional care may improve psychological outcomes in patients with CNLBP.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/01/22 | Accepted: 2025/09/14 | Published: 2026/04/16
Received: 2025/01/22 | Accepted: 2025/09/14 | Published: 2026/04/16
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