NCT05860283

Core Stability Exercise Versus Diaphragmatic Release on Respiratory Functions on Physical Therapists With Low Back Pain

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 90 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 25 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

To compare between core stability exercise and diaphragmatic release on respiratory functions on physical therapists with low back pain.

Detailed description

Low back pain is the most frequent self-reported type of musculoskeletal pain. It is often recurrent and has important socioeconomic consequences. 99.5% of Egyptian physical therapists (PTs) suffer from work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), mainly in the lower back (69.1%) and it is more common in female than male therapists. Physical therapists are routinely exposed to work-related physically demanding tasks such as handling heavy patients, applying manual techniques and assuming sustained awkward positions, which are the most common predisposing factors for development of WMSDs. Respiratory dysfunction is a major factor for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic LBP. This respiratory dysfunction may be related to the altered function of the diaphragm and poor coordination of deep stabilization muscles due to dysfunctional movement patterns. Respiratory dysfunction compromises the subject's ability to stabilize the spine during balancing and postural tasks. Besides diaphragmatic dysfunction, several studies have observed in chronic LBP delayed or decreased activation of lumbar multifidi and transversus abdominus during gait and extremity movement. Since it is difficult to isolate contraction of the transversus abdominis required for the core stability exercises, biofeedback strategies using pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) will be used. This instrument allows visual detection of pressure fluctuations inherent to movements in that region. Another clinical use for the PBU is to help train lumbopelvic stability in individuals with chronic LBP during open-chain segmental control exercises, through challenging the motor control by active movements of the upper or lower limbs, meanwhile the individuals should maintain lumbopelvic neutral position known by getting visual feedback of maintenance of a steady pressure. People with LBP have an abnormal diaphragm position impacted by small diaphragmatic excursions (mobility) with respiration, in other words "the diaphragm is splinted". Diaphragm tightness can promote shallow breathing, resulting in decreased diaphragm contractile force that impacts the diaphragm strength. Diaphragmatic release has an immediate effect on the diaphragm strength. Increased diaphragm strength immediately follows the intervention, suggesting utility of these techniques for patients with diaphragmatic movement restrictions or breathing-related disorders. By reviewing the literature it was found that both core stability exercises and diaphragmatic release techniques have positive effects on both respiratory variables \& low back pain. Thus, the present study will compare between these two interventions.

Conditions

• Mechanical Low Back Pain
• Respiratory Functions

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Core stabilization exercise using pressure biofeedback unit	From crook lying: * 1st and 2nd weeks LEVEL 1: ADIM and hold for 10 seconds LEVEL 2 : Hold for 5 sec. Repeat 10 times. Opposite lower extremity on plinth; bent leg fall out. * 3rd and 4th week LEVEL 3 : Opposite lower extremity on plinth a)Lift bend leg to 90˚ hip flexion b)Slide heel to extend knee c)Lift straight leg to 45˚. * 5th and 6th weeks LEVEL 4 : Hold opposite lower extremity at 90˚ of hip flexion a)Lift bend leg to 90˚ hip flexion b)Slide heel to extend knee c)Lift straight leg to 45˚. From prone lying: Extension of each lower extremity. The exercise progression each week will be evaluated.Each exercise session lasted 20 min. The patients had to hold each exercise for 10 seconds, three sets per session and each set 10 repetitions.
PROCEDURE	Diaphragmatic release technique	This technique will be given 3 days per week for 6 weeks with total technique duration of 45 minutes. The maneuver will be repeated in 4 sets per session, each set will consist of 5 deep breaths with 2-min intervals in between sets.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-07-04
• Primary completion: 2024-06-01
• Completion: 2024-08-01
• First posted: 2023-05-16
• Last updated: 2023-07-13

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt