SEGMENTAL CO-ACTIVATION EXERCISE & ITS FUNCTIONAL ABILITY IN LOW BACK ACHE SUBJECTS

Background: Low back pain is a common problem seen in young female individual. Core strengthening exercises (CSE) helps to activate the deep abdominal & back muscles. Combination of core strengthening & stret ching exercise may have positive effects on mechanical low back pain. Objective: The main aim of this clinical study is to find the combined effect of core strengthening & stretching exercises on reducing pain & disab ility on female subjects with mechanical low back pain (MLBP). Methodology: 18 female subjects with MLBP who participated in the experimental study underwent treatment variation for 4 weeks after giving their informed consent. They were evaluated & randomized into CSE group, CSE with iliopsoas stretching group, CSE w ith hamstring stretching group. Protocol-Pre & post VAS & Oswestry scores were recorded at the start of the treatment & at the end of each week for four consecutive weeks. Data Analysis: This was done by using parametric test one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Post Hoc Bonferroni Significance le vel set at p d”0.05. Result: After 4 weeks of exercise therapy there was a significant decrease in pain & disability score among all three groups (pd” 0.01) with more improved results in core strengthening along with hamstr ing stretching group (pd” 0.01). Discussion & Conclusion: CSE alone & CSE along with ilopsoas stretching exercise are found to be effective in decreasing pain & disability in subjects with MLBP. Core strengthening exercise along with hamstring stretching showed better results in VAS & oswestry scale as compared to others groups& found more effective in reducing pain & improving functional activities in MLBP subjects