Abstract

Background: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder affecting approximately 80% of individuals at some point in their lives, with a significant impact on functional capacity and quality of life. Objective: This study compared the effectiveness of core stability exercises (CSE) and trunk extensor endurance exercises (TEEE) in managing CNSLBP. Methods: Forty-six participants aged 30-50 years with CNSLBP were randomly allocated into two groups receiving either CSE (n=23) or TEEE (n=23), both combined with conventional physiotherapy for four weeks. Outcome measures included transversus abdominis (TrA) activation measured by the pressure biofeedback unit, trunk extensor endurance via prone isometric chest raise test, pain intensity using the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire-Gujarati version (FABQ-G), and global rating of change scale (GROC). Results: Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in all outcomes (p<0.001). Between-group analysis revealed that CSE showed superior improvements in TrA activation (p=0.001), pain reduction (p=0.009), fear-avoidance beliefs (p=0.026), and patient satisfaction (p=0.005), while trunk extensor endurance showed no significant difference (p=0.203). Conclusion: Core stability exercises demonstrated greater efficacy than trunk extensor endurance exercises in managing CNSLBP across multiple outcome domains.

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