Effectiveness of Core Stability Exercises with and without Physioball on Chronic Low Back Ache in Young Females: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of core stability exercises with and without Physioball in chronic low back pain and functional ability in young female students of a private medical college. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study with non-probability convenience sampling technique from March 2019 to January 2020 carried out at Bahria University College of Physical Therapy Karachi. Inclusion was female with history of chronic mechanical and postural backache for more than 12 weeks, age 18-22 years. Exclusion criteria were those on pain killer medications for backache or having pathological back ache. Participants were divided into two groups. Group A were given core stability exercises with Physioball, which include back extension hold, sit ups and forward backward and side rolls. Group B were given core stability exercises without Physioball (Floor Mat), including superman, beetles and bridging. Three sessions per week for 6 weeks once in a day followed by warm up and cool down exercises. Pre and Post assessments through Visual Analogue Scale and The Roland-Morris Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire Results: A total of 70 participants were included. Mean pre-assessment of group A was 4.70 ± 0.91 and postassessment was 0.96 ± 0.52 with significant p value of<0.0001. Group B pre-assessment mean score was 5.32 ± 1.52 and post-assessment mean score was 1.36 ± 0.87 with significant p value of <0.001. Group B participants showed improvement in trunk stability and balance control whereas group A observed better results. Conclusion: Core stability exercises with Physioball showed better pain management, trunk control and balance as compared with floor mat exercises.