Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent occupational health issue among professional drivers due to prolonged sitting and exposure to wholebody vibration, leading to musculoskeletal disorders, reduced quality of life, and productivity loss. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of motor control exercises (MCE) compared to standard back extension exercises in managing occupational low back pain (OLBP) among professional drivers. Objectives: 1. To determine the effect of motor control exercises (stabilization exercises) on pain and mobility in professional Drivers Occupational Low Back Pain. 2. To assess the reduction in pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) as an outcome measure. 3. To evaluate improvements in mobility and activity limitations using the Back Performance Scale (BPS). 4. To compare the effectiveness of motor control exercises combined with back extension exercises versus back extension exercises alone. 5. To provide insights into the practical applicability of motor control exercises for professional drivers. Material & Methods: A quantitative, experimental research design was employed, involving a purposive sample of professional drivers with a history of occupational low back pain (OLBP). Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A received motor control exercises combined with back extension exercises, while Group B performed only back extension exercises. The intervention lasted four weeks, with pain and mobility assessed pre, mid, and post-intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Back Performance Scale (BPS). Supervised weekly sessions ensured adherence to the exercise protocol. Result: Bothgroupsshowedsigni𿿿cantreductionsinpainandimprovementsin mobility. In Group A (MCE + back extension), the mean VAS scores improved from 7.5 ± 1.2 at baseline to 3.8 ± 0.8 post-intervention, while BPS scores reduced from 12.5 ± 1.3 to 5.9 ± 1.0. In Group B (back extension only), the mean VAS scores improved from 7.6 ± 1.1 to 4.5 ± 1.0, and BPS scores reduced from 12.7 ± 1.4 to 7.5 ± 1.1. While Group A demonstrated slightly greater improvements in pain and mobility, thedifferencesbetweengroupswerenot statisticallysigni𿿿cant (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Motor control exercises are effective in managing occupational low back pain and can be considered a valuable intervention for professional drivers, providing comparable or slightly superior results to traditional back extension exercises.

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