Specific Modified Exercise Program for Low Back Pain in Racketlon Players

Primary outcomes

1. Micheli functional scale (MFS):

   Time frame: 5 weeks

   The Micheli functional scale (MFS) was developed as a back-specific tool for functional assessment in young athletes. This scale is a brief and reliable rating scale to quantify pain intensity and athletic function and determines the degree of the back pain associated with sports activity limitations, back extension/or upright activities, sitting/or flexion activities, and jumping activity. The MFS is a self-report questionnaire and contains 5 items consisting of a symptom question, 3 activity-related questions, and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity. The total score is calculated by adding questionnaire responses (range 0 - 15) plus VAS score (range 0 - 10). This maximum total score of 25 is then multiplied by 4. The range of total scores is from 0 (least amount of difficulty) to 100 (the most amount of difficulty).

2. 1 Minute Push-up Test (PUT):

   Time frame: 5 Weeks

   The test began with the athlete in a push-up position, hands placed shoulder width apart with elbows in full extension. The athlete was asked to maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement. A 4-inch block was positioned directly below the athletes' chests to standardize push up depth every time. 1 repetition was counted when the athlete performs a push up and the chest comes into contact with the block and then returning to the starting position. Each athlete was given 1 minute to perform a maximum number of repetitions.

3. Kraus -Weber Test for lower back muscles

   Time frame: 5 Weeks

   The Kraus-Weber Test involves a series of tests that measure minimum strength & flexibility of the back, abdominals, psoas, and hamstring muscles. The Kraus-Weber fitness test protocols, a series of six medical fitness tests measuring the strength and flexibility of key postural (core) muscles. This abdominal test assesses the strength of the abdominal and psoas muscles.