Effectiveness of Stability Ball Training, Dead Bug Exercises, and Their Combination on Reducing Specific Low Back Pain

NCT ID: NCT06749574

Last Updated: 2025-02-04

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 63 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-02-15
• Study Completion Date: 2025-03-02

Brief Summary

This study is a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) focused on individuals aged 30 to 50 with acute specific low back pain (lumbar radiculopathy). Participants will be divided into three groups: one performing stability ball exercises, one doing dead bug exercises, and the third group combining both types of exercises.

Detailed Description

The study aims to assess the effectiveness of these regimens in reducing pain and improving quality of life. The trial will be conducted at Sheikh Zayed Hospital and Alara Health Care Clinic, with simple random sampling used to assign participants. The study will run for 6 months, with follow-up assessments at 1, 4, and 8 weeks.

Conditions

Radiculopathy Lumbar

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: DIAGNOSTIC
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Stability ball Training

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

stability ball exercises

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

articipants in the first group performed stability ball exercises designed to enhance balance, core stability, they were introduced to the stability ball with instructions on maintaining proper posture, alignment, and safety to prevent injuries. The program included exercises such as the Stability ball bridging, stability ball bird dog and stability ball pelvic tilts were included to activate the lower abdominal muscles and glutes through gentle, controlled movements

Dead bug training:

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

dead bug exercise

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The second group focused on dead bug exercises, Participants performed exercises such as extending one arm and the opposite leg while lying on their backs, ensuring their spine remained neutral and their lower back stayed pressed into the floor. Variations included alternating opposite arm and leg movements and holding the extended position to increase the challenge and enhance core stability. These exercises were performed slowly to maintain control and improve movement precision over the eight-week period

Combined Group

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Combined Groupo

Intervention Type: COMBINATION_PRODUCT

The third group combined stability ball and dead bug exercises for a comprehensive training approach targeting both core stability and balance. Participants alternated between dead bug exercises, which required controlled arm and leg extensions while lying on their backs, and stability ball exercises such as the ball with bridging and bird dog. Throughout the eight weeks, participants were encouraged to maintain proper posture, alignment, and a neutral spine during all activities to ensure safety and effectiveness

Interventions

stability ball exercises

articipants in the first group performed stability ball exercises designed to enhance balance, core stability, they were introduced to the stability ball with instructions on maintaining proper posture, alignment, and safety to prevent injuries. The program included exercises such as the Stability ball bridging, stability ball bird dog and stability ball pelvic tilts were included to activate the lower abdominal muscles and glutes through gentle, controlled movements

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

dead bug exercise

The second group focused on dead bug exercises, Participants performed exercises such as extending one arm and the opposite leg while lying on their backs, ensuring their spine remained neutral and their lower back stayed pressed into the floor. Variations included alternating opposite arm and leg movements and holding the extended position to increase the challenge and enhance core stability. These exercises were performed slowly to maintain control and improve movement precision over the eight-week period

Intervention Type: DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Combined Groupo

The third group combined stability ball and dead bug exercises for a comprehensive training approach targeting both core stability and balance. Participants alternated between dead bug exercises, which required controlled arm and leg extensions while lying on their backs, and stability ball exercises such as the ball with bridging and bird dog. Throughout the eight weeks, participants were encouraged to maintain proper posture, alignment, and a neutral spine during all activities to ensure safety and effectiveness

Intervention Type: COMBINATION_PRODUCT

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• participants aged 30 to 50 years with a specific diagnosis of acute lumbar radiculopathy lasting less than three months but severe enough to impair daily activities were included in the study.
• They were required to provide informed consent and agree to adhere to the study procedures,
• including attending sessions and completing evaluations. Eligibility was limited to those without other physical conditions, such as joint replacements or fractures,
• that could interfere with the ability to perform stability ball or dead bug exercises. Individuals who had participated in similar therapeutic exercises, such as stability ball training or core strengthening, within the last six months were excluded to ensure the results reflected the intervention's impact rather than prior training effects.

Exclusion Criteria

• included participants with severe musculoskeletal or cardiovascular disorders, such as spinal surgery, herniated discs, scoliosis, fractures, or osteoarthritis, due to the potential risks associated with exercise.
• Pregnant women were excluded as balance-related activities, like stability ball exercises, could pose safety concerns. Individuals using pain medications, particularly opioids or muscle relaxants, were excluded to avoid interference with exercise performance or altered pain perception.
• Participants who had undergone back surgery within the last six months, or those currently undergoing other physical therapy or treatments for back pain, such as physiotherapy or chiropractic care, in the previous month were also excluded

• Minimum Eligible Age: 30 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 50 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Superior University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Muhammad Naveed Babur

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Sheikh Zayed Hosp and Alara Health Care Clinic

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Countries

Pakistan

Other Identifiers

MSRSW/Batch-Fall22/774

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id