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IRCT20250519065806N2 IRCT 2026-04-12 Islamic Azad University Comparative Effects of Core Stability and Postural Control Training on chronic non-specific low back pain Comparative Effects of Core Stability and Postural Control Training on Pain, Disability, and Sensorimotor Function in Women with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial 2026-09-06 anticipated 51 Complete https://irct.ir/trial/89382 interventional Randomization: Randomized, Blinding: Single blinded, Placebo: Not used, Assignment: Parallel, Purpose: Supportive, Randomization description: After completion of baseline assessments, participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: core stability training (CST), postural control training (PCT), or control. Randomization was performed using a simple random allocation procedure with a 1:1:1 ratio to ensure equal group sizes. The randomization sequence was generated using a computer-based random number generator by a researcher who was not involved in participant recruitment, intervention delivery, or outcome assessment. Allocation assignments were placed in sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelopes, which were opened only after completion of baseline measurements. To reduce assessment bias, the outcome assessor remained blinded to group allocation throughout the study. Participants were instructed not to disclose their assigned intervention during post-intervention testing, Blinding description: Outcome assessor and data and statistical analyzer will be blinded from knowing intervention groups. This individual, a physiotherapist, is blinded to group allocation and is unaware of which participants belong to the intervention group and which belong to the control group. 3 Chronic non-specific low back pain. Intervention 1: Intervention group: After obtaining ethical approval, middle-aged women with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) who met the study inclusion criteria were invited to participate. Eligible participants were identified through structured interviews and questionnaires collecting demographic and medical history data. Inclusion criteria were female sex, middle age, CNSLBP for more than three months, and absence of specific spinal pathology. Exclusion criteria included a history of spinal surgery, radiculopathy, neurological or vestibular disorders, recent lower extremity injury, or participation in structured rehabilitation programs during the study.All participants received detailed verbal and written explanations of the study objectives, procedures, and their responsibilities, and provided written informed consent. Demographic characteristics, physical activity history, and pain intensity were collected via questionnaires and face-to-face interviews.A total of 51 eligible participants were randomly allocated into three equal groups: core stability training (CST) (n = 17), postural control training (PCT) (n = 17), and control (n = 17). The two intervention groups completed supervised exercise programs three times per week for eight consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes, including a 10-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of main exercises, and a 5-minute cool-down. Exercise intensity and difficulty were progressively increased based on participants’ mastery and tolerance. CSTProtocol: This program included exercises such as plank, side plank, bird dog, glute bridge, and single-leg bridge, emphasizing controlled isometric contraction of deep trunk muscles, maintenance of neutral spinal alignment, and coordinated breathing. Hold times increased progressively from 5–7 seconds in week one to 26–28 seconds by week eight. PCT Protocol: This program consisted of three progressive phases over eight weeks. The first two weeks were performed on stable surfaces, weeks three to five on a gym ball to increase neuromuscular demand, and weeks six to eight incorporated external resistance using elastic bands and weights. Emphasis was placed on maintaining neutral spinal posture, activating deep trunk muscles, and progressively increasing exercise intensity.All participants were assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Outcome measures included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), health-related quality of life (Short Form-36), functional disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index), static balance (Stork Stand Test), and lumbar-pelvic proprioception (joint position reproduction test with goniometer). Intervention 2: Contol group:After obtaining the ethical approval code, women will be invited to participate in this study. To invite participants, the researcher will visit the physician’s office and, after reviewing the medical records of individuals who have chronic non-specific low back pain will select samples for this study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These criteria will be evaluated through contact with the individuals. Based on the sample size assessment and their initial willingness to participate, the study’s objectives and the potential positive and negative outcomes of participation will be explained to them. They will also be assured that they can withdraw from the study at any stage if they no longer wish to continue. Then, the informed consent form will be provided to those who confirm their willingness to participate, and they will be asked to sign it. Following this, demographic information including age, weight, and height will be collected through face-to-face interviews. Outcome measures included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), health-related quality of life (Short Form-36), functional disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnnaire and Oswestry Disability Index), static balance (Stork Stand Test), and lumbar-pelvic proprioception (joint position reproduction test with goniometer). Before starting the exercises, a pre-test will be conducted for all participants in the control group, with the order of the pre-test standardized for all individuals. In the control group, no intervention will be performed for 8 weeks, and individuals will continue their normal daily activities. Yes - There is a plan to make this available What will be shared: There is no further information When: 3 Month after pulication To whom: Everyone Conditions: For research and rehabilitation Where to obtain: Email How to obtain: One week time to gather the needed data Comments:
public Mohammad-Ali Seyed-Hoseini
Simon Bolivar Blvd, Tehran
Tehran Iran (Islamic Republic of) 1416935840 +98 21 8837 2567 ahoseini78@ut.ac.ir Islamic Azad University scientific Mostafa Jalili Bafrouei
17th North Kargar street, Tehran
Tehran Iran (Islamic Republic of) 1423654123 +98 21 9109 9511 m.jalili.b@ut.ac.ir University of Tehran Iran (Islamic Republic of) female sex middle age (40-57) chronic non-specific low back pain for more than three months absence of specific spinal pathology or musculoskeletal disoredrs approved chronic non-specific low back pain by doctor of medicine Willingness to participate in the intervention and written informed consent Pain intensity of at least 3 out of 10 based on the visual analog scale No participation in structured rehabilitation or corrective exercise programs during the previous three months. 40 years 57 years Female History of spinal surgery Presence of specific spinal disorders such as: lumbar disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis Presence od radiculopathy or radiating pain to the lower limbs Neurological or vestibular disorders affecting balance or motor control Musculoskeletal injury in the lower extrimities during the past six months Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant during the study period absence from more than two exercise sessions during the interventional period M40.56 Lordosis, unspecified, lumbar region Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Intervention group: After obtaining ethical approval, middle-aged women with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) who met the study inclusion criteria were invited to participate. Eligible participants were identified through structured interviews and questionnaires collecting demographic and medical history data. Inclusion criteria were female sex, middle age, CNSLBP for more than three months, and absence of specific spinal pathology. Exclusion criteria included a history of spinal surgery, radiculopathy, neurological or vestibular disorders, recent lower extremity injury, or participation in structured rehabilitation programs during the study.All participants received detailed verbal and written explanations of the study objectives, procedures, and their responsibilities, and provided written informed consent. Demographic characteristics, physical activity history, and pain intensity were collected via questionnaires and face-to-face interviews.A total of 51 eligible participants were randomly allocated into three equal groups: core stability training (CST) (n = 17), postural control training (PCT) (n = 17), and control (n = 17). The two intervention groups completed supervised exercise programs three times per week for eight consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes, including a 10-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of main exercises, and a 5-minute cool-down. Exercise intensity and difficulty were progressively increased based on participants’ mastery and tolerance. CSTProtocol: This program included exercises such as plank, side plank, bird dog, glute bridge, and single-leg bridge, emphasizing controlled isometric contraction of deep trunk muscles, maintenance of neutral spinal alignment, and coordinated breathing. Hold times increased progressively from 5–7 seconds in week one to 26–28 seconds by week eight. PCT Protocol: This program consisted of three progressive phases over eight weeks. The first two weeks were performed on stable surfaces, weeks three to five on a gym ball to increase neuromuscular demand, and weeks six to eight incorporated external resistance using elastic bands and weights. Emphasis was placed on maintaining neutral spinal posture, activating deep trunk muscles, and progressively increasing exercise intensity.All participants were assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Outcome measures included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), health-related quality of life (Short Form-36), functional disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index), static balance (Stork Stand Test), and lumbar-pelvic proprioception (joint position reproduction test with goniometer). Contol group:After obtaining the ethical approval code, women will be invited to participate in this study. To invite participants, the researcher will visit the physician’s office and, after reviewing the medical records of individuals who have chronic non-specific low back pain will select samples for this study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These criteria will be evaluated through contact with the individuals. Based on the sample size assessment and their initial willingness to participate, the study’s objectives and the potential positive and negative outcomes of participation will be explained to them. They will also be assured that they can withdraw from the study at any stage if they no longer wish to continue. Then, the informed consent form will be provided to those who confirm their willingness to participate, and they will be asked to sign it. Following this, demographic information including age, weight, and height will be collected through face-to-face interviews. Outcome measures included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), health-related quality of life (Short Form-36), functional disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnnaire and Oswestry Disability Index), static balance (Stork Stand Test), and lumbar-pelvic proprioception (joint position reproduction test with goniometer). Before starting the exercises, a pre-test will be conducted for all participants in the control group, with the order of the pre-test standardized for all individuals. In the control group, no intervention will be performed for 8 weeks, and individuals will continue their normal daily activities. Pain intensity, Functional disability, Lumbo-pelvic proprioception, Static balance, Quality of life (QOL). Timepoint: First week and 8 weeks. Method of measurement: Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index, Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire, joint position reproduction test (Goniometer), Stork Stand Test, Short form SF-36 questionnaire. Islamic Azad University Approved 2024-08-31 Ethics Committee of the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran Simon Bolivar street, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Tehran Iran (Islamic Republic of)