Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of core stability with and without neck extension on pain intensity and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP).
Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. The inclusion criteria were diagnosed patients with CLBP of either gender and age between 25-50 years. Those who had any systemic disease like diabetic neuropathy or renal disease were excluded. A total of 114 participants were randomly divided in 2 groups. One group underwent core stability exercise while second group had neck extension and core stability exercise. Twelve sessions were given for consecutive 4 weeks. VAS and ODI Questionnaire were used as outcome measures. SPSS version 24 was used for analysis of results.
Results: Male were 19(36.5%) and female 33(63.5%) in group 1 while 18(35.3%) were male and 33(64.7%) were females in group 2. VAS values (P˂0.000) and functional disability (P˂0.000) both were significantly improved within group subjects. Comparison between groups showed that there was significant difference in VAS values at 12 sessions (P˂0.00) while in ODI at 4 sessions (P˂0.002). In Group 2, there was more decrease in VAS values (P˂0.000) and improves ODI values (P˂0.000).

Conclusion: Neck extension with core stability exercises was more effective in decreasing pain and functional disability in patients with CLBP.

Key words: Core stability, Neck extension, pain intensity, functional disability, chronic low back pain.