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NCT Number: NCT06749574

Effectiveness of Stability Ball Training, Dead Bug Exercises, and Their Combination on Reducing Specific Low Back Pain

This study is a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) focused on individuals aged 30 to 50 with acute specific low back pain (lumbar radiculopathy). Participants will be divided into three groups: one performing stability ball exercises, one doing dead bug exercises, and the third group combining both types of exercises.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

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Key information

Conditions

Radiculopathy Lumbar

Age range

30 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sheikh Zayed Hosp and Alara Health Care Clinic

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

About this study

The study aims to assess the effectiveness of these regimens in reducing pain and improving quality of life. The trial will be conducted at Sheikh Zayed Hospital and Alara Health Care Clinic, with simple random sampling used to assign participants. The study will run for 6 months, with follow-up assessments at 1, 4, and 8 weeks.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • participants aged 30 to 50 years with a specific diagnosis of acute lumbar radiculopathy lasting less than three months but severe enough to impair daily activities were included in the study.
  • They were required to provide informed consent and agree to adhere to the study procedures,
  • including attending sessions and completing evaluations. Eligibility was limited to those without other physical conditions, such as joint replacements or fractures,
  • that could interfere with the ability to perform stability ball or dead bug exercises. Individuals who had participated in similar therapeutic exercises, such as stability ball training or core strengthening, within the last six months were excluded to ensure the results reflected the intervention's impact rather than prior training effects.

Exclusion criteria

  • included participants with severe musculoskeletal or cardiovascular disorders, such as spinal surgery, herniated discs, scoliosis, fractures, or osteoarthritis, due to the potential risks associated with exercise.
  • Pregnant women were excluded as balance-related activities, like stability ball exercises, could pose safety concerns. Individuals using pain medications, particularly opioids or muscle relaxants, were excluded to avoid interference with exercise performance or altered pain perception.
  • Participants who had undergone back surgery within the last six months, or those currently undergoing other physical therapy or treatments for back pain, such as physiotherapy or chiropractic care, in the previous month were also excluded

Treatment and study plan

stability ball exercises

Diagnostic Test

articipants in the first group performed stability ball exercises designed to enhance balance, core stability, they were introduced to the stability ball with instructions on maintaining proper posture, alignment, and safety to prevent injuries. The program included exercises such as the Stability ball bridging, stability ball bird dog and stability ball pelvic tilts were included to activate the lower abdominal muscles and glutes through gentle, controlled movements

dead bug exercise

Diagnostic Test

The second group focused on dead bug exercises, Participants performed exercises such as extending one arm and the opposite leg while lying on their backs, ensuring their spine remained neutral and their lower back stayed pressed into the floor. Variations included alternating opposite arm and leg movements and holding the extended position to increase the challenge and enhance core stability. These exercises were performed slowly to maintain control and improve movement precision over the eight-week period

Combined Groupo

Combination Product

The third group combined stability ball and dead bug exercises for a comprehensive training approach targeting both core stability and balance. Participants alternated between dead bug exercises, which required controlled arm and leg extensions while lying on their backs, and stability ball exercises such as the ball with bridging and bird dog. Throughout the eight weeks, participants were encouraged to maintain proper posture, alignment, and a neutral spine during all activities to ensure safety and effectiveness

Primary outcomes

  1. Visual Analog Scale

    Time frame: 12 Months

    The VAS (Visual Analog Scale) is used for pain assessment. It consists of a vertical line, with the words 'No pain' at the bottom end corresponding to a VAS of 0, and 'Worst pain possible' at the top end corresponding to a VAS of 10.

  2. SF-12 (Short Form 12-Item Health Survey)

    Time frame: 12 Months

    widely used questionnaire designed to assess health-related quality of life. It is a concise version of the SF-36, retaining 12 carefully selected questions that measure physical and mental health domains. The SF-12 evaluates eight health components: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health problems, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional health problems, and mental health.Responses from the SF-12 are used to generate two summary scores: the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS). These scores provide a quantitative measure of an individual's physical and mental well-being, respectively. The PCS focuses on physical health aspects like mobility and pain, while the MCS emphasizes emotional health and social functioning.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Superior University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2025
First posted
Dec 27, 2024
Registry last updated
Feb 4, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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