Effects of a 4-week training program on people with low back pain: Comparison of core stability training and McKenzie exercises

Chronic non-specific low back pain (NCLBP) is one of the main spinal disorders that impairs many daily activities and limits functional skills. The role of exercise in NCLBP is well documented, although the debate over the most effective type of training. This study aims to investigate the effects of a 4-week specific training program on pain, trunk mobility, and muscle flexibility in adults with this condition. Thirty people (aged 30-50 years) were recruited for the study. All participants were untrained and affected by NCLBP. Participants were divided into two groups, each consisting of 15 people: the Core Stability Training (CST) group (46.67% female) and the McKenzie exercises (MCK) group (53.33% female). Both groups trained twice a week for four weeks (eight sessions in total), with each session lasting 30 minutes, and repeated the exercises at home (two times per week). All participants were assessed pre- and post-training to evaluate pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale – NRS), posterior chain muscles flexibility (Forward Bending Test - BEND) and trunk mobility (Schober Test – SCHOB). NRS and SCHOB improved significantly in both CST and MCK, whereas no difference was observed for BEND. The interaction effect comparison showed significance for NRS, with greater improvements observed in CST (-56.84%). Previous results suggest that both types of training are effective for reducing pain and improving lumbar spine mobility. Since Core Stability exercises led to better outcomes in NCLBP symptomatology after four weeks of specific training, combining both types of exercises could be helpful for people with NCLBP.