The Role of Core and Functional Exercises in Low Back and Neck Pain

Batman University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Functional Exercise Training; Core Exercises Training; Neck Pain; Low Back Pain

Treatments: Other: core exercises; Other: functional strength exercises; Other: education group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07190898

BAU-FTR-MYK-02

Details and patient eligibility

About

Low back and neck pain are common health problems that can negatively affect daily life activities in healthy women. A significant proportion of adults worldwide experience low back or neck pain at some point in their lives, leading to loss of physical function, reduced work capacity, and decreased quality of life. Women who work at desk-based jobs are particularly prone to such pain due to prolonged sitting, computer use, and non-ergonomic postures. Poor posture habits, weak core muscles, and low postural awareness are among the main causes of low back and neck pain. Strengthening the core muscles, enhancing spinal and pelvic stability, improving muscular endurance, and increasing postural awareness are effective methods to reduce the risk of low back and neck pain. Functional strength exercises support safe and effective movement in daily life activities by improving muscle strength, endurance, and coordination. These exercises are important not only for treating existing pain but also as part of preventive health strategies. Preventive exercise programs can reduce the risk of pain and functional loss in healthy individuals, thereby improving long-term quality of life. Although various exercise approaches have been examined in the literature for the prevention of low back and neck pain, studies comparing core and postural stabilization exercises with functional strength exercises in healthy women are limited. This gap does not provide physiotherapists and health professionals with clear evidence on which exercise approach is more effective. This study aims to compare the effects of core and postural stabilization exercises versus functional strength exercises on the risk of low back and neck pain during daily activities in healthy women. The findings of this study are expected to guide the design and implementation of preventive exercise programs for healthy women.

Full description

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of core and postural stabilization exercises and functional strength exercises onthe risk of low back and neck pain during daily activities in healthy women. The study was designed as a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Healthy women aged 20-40 years were included in the study.A total of 45 participants, with 15 in each group, took part in the study. Randomization was performed using a computer-generated randomization list. Individuals who agreed to participate were first evaluated for eligibility according to the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible participants were then randomly assigned to one of three groups with an equal allocation ratio (1:1:1).One day after the initial assessment, participants received an educational session on lifestyle modifications related to healthy living and women's health. The Core and Postural Stabilization Exercise Group and the Functional Strength Exercise Group performed a total of 18 exercise sessions, three times per week over six weeks. The Education Group, on the other hand, was directed to either the Core and Postural Stabilization or the Functional Strength program according to their preference after the completion of the study.Participants will be evaluated twice: at the beginning of the study and at the end of the 6-week treatment.

Enrollment: 45 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 20 to 40 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Absence of any chronic musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiovascular disorders,
• Not engaging in regular exercise or performing physical activity less than twice a week,
• Presence of low back or neck pain not attributable to pathology during daily activities,
• No history of major orthopedic surgery within the last six months.

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals with severe orthopedic, neurological, or cardiovascular diseases,
• Those who have undergone surgical interventions involving the lumbar or cervical regions within the past six months,
• Individuals who regularly participate in physiotherapy or structured exercise programs.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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45 participants in 3 patient groups

core exercises group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The participants performed a total of 18 exercise sessions, three times per week over six weeks. All sessions were supervised by a specialist physiotherapist and lasted approximately 45 minutes. Each session consisted of three parts: warm-up, main exercises, and cool-down. The warm-up included low-intensity mobilization and stretching movements. The main part involved plank, side plank, bridge, quadruped balance, and posture-focused exercises. Each exercise was individualized in terms of repetitions and duration according to the participant's capacity. The program was updated every two weeks by adding a new type of exercise. In the cool-down phase, stretching, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises were performed.

Treatment:

Other: core exercises

functional strenght exercises

Active Comparator group

Description:

The participants performed a total of 18 exercise sessions, three times per week over six weeks. All sessions were supervised by a specialist physiotherapist and lasted approximately 45 minutes. Each session consisted of three parts: warm-up, main exercises, and cool-down. The warm-up included joint mobilization and low-intensity aerobic movements. The main part involved functional movements such as sit-to-stand, lunge, squat, step-up, and balance-focused exercises. The difficulty level of the exercises was adjusted according to the participant's capacity, and new exercises were added to the program every two weeks. In the cool-down phase, stretching, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises were performed.

Treatment:

Other: functional strength exercises

education group

Active Comparator group

Description:

On the first day of the study, participants received an educational session on lifestyle modifications related to healthy living and women's health. During the session, information was provided on proper posture, ergonomic movements, the importance of posture in daily life, and pain management. After the completion of the study, the Education Group was directed to either the Core and Postural Stabilization Exercise Program or the Functional Strength Exercise Program, according to their preference.

Treatment:

Other: education group