Lumbar Stabilization Exercises in Sedentary Adults

This study will employ a two-arm parallel randomized controlled design to examine the effectiveness of a four-week lumbar stabilization intervention in sedentary adults. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an exercise intervention group or a control group.

To enhance measurement reliability, two baseline assessments will be conducted prior to the intervention and two post-intervention assessments will be performed after completion of the program, with a three-day interval between repeated measurements.

The stabilization program will focus on activation and progressive strengthening of the deep trunk musculature, with particular emphasis on transversus abdominis and multifidus activation. Special attention will be given to the acquisition of diaphragmatic breathing patterns to facilitate neuromuscular control. Exercises will be performed in multiple positions, including supine, side-lying, prone, and quadruped positions. The level of difficulty will be progressively increased throughout the four-week intervention period.

The control group will receive written ergonomic education and general stretching instructions without supervised exercise.

Assessments will be conducted using standardized and validated instruments to evaluate motor control, dynamic balance, and health-related quality of life. Statistical analysis will be performed using repeated-measures analysis of variance to assess within-group and between-group differences over time, with a predefined level of statistical significance set at 0.05.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy adults with a sedentary lifestyle (no regular structured exercise in the past 2-3 months)

• Ability to participate in a moderate-intensity exercise program
• Ability to understand instructions and complete assessment questionnaires

Exclusion criteria

• Regular participation in structured exercise programs within the previous 2-3 months

• Diagnosed lumbar disc herniation with neurological deficits
• History of spinal or lower limb surgery within the past year
• Acute musculoskeletal injury or exacerbation of low back pain within the past 4 weeks
• Neurological or neuromuscular disorders
• Active inflammatory rheumatic disease
• Cardiopulmonary contraindications to moderate-intensity exercise
• Pregnancy or postpartum period
• Use of medications significantly affecting balance or physical performance
• Inability to understand study instructions or comply with study procedures