Effectiveness of lumbar stabilization exercise with and without instrument assistance on pain and functional ability for nonspecific chronic low back pain among information technology professionals

INTRODUCTION: Nonspecific low back pain (LBP) is the most frequent form of back pain which causes discomfort without any apparent cause. Nonspecific LBP has an estimated 18%-point prevalence. The healthcare professionals worldwide experience work-related chronic nonspecific LBP (CNLBP), which lasts for more than 12 weeks and is a significant contributor to functional impairment. Nonspecific LBP is a type of LBP that occurs when there is no known cause and the long-term persistence of discomfort and disability. Physiotherapists utilize a wide range of interventions in the management of CNLBP including lumbar stabilization exercises. The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise with and without instrument assistance on pain and functional ability for nonspecific chronic LBP among information technology (IT) professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 subjects were selected for the study after obtaining an informed consent. Subjects who fulfill the following inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Each group will comprise of 20 subjects within the age group of 25–45 years. Group A will be given lumbar stabilization exercise with instrument assistance and Group B will be given lumbar stabilization exercise without instrument assistance. The parameters of the study include Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) and lumbopelvic stability test pretest and posttest comparison done between the groups. RESULTS: The data were collected and statistically analyzed using the appropriate statistical test. Comparing pretest and posttest measures will be analyzed statistically using t -test to test the effectiveness of each technique. P value, between the group NPRS, PSFS, and LPS test, P ≤ 0.05 and shows significance in the subjects. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that lumbar stabilization exercise with instrument assistance was better than lumbar stabilization exercise without instrument assistance nonspecific chronic LBP among young adults and information technology professionals.