Effect of neurokinetic therapy on core muscle dysfunction among subjects with low back pain

Objective. Core muscle dysfunction is commonly identified as a contributing factor to low back pain. This study examined the effects of Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT) on core muscle dysfunction in individuals with low back pain. Methods. Sixty-six subjects aged 20–50 years with chronic nonspecific low back pain were randomized into two groups (NKT and control). The NKT group received treatment for eight weeks. Manual muscle testing was conducted during this period alongside the identification of dysfunctional movement patterns and biweekly neuromotor reprogramming sessions. Results. The primary outcome, core muscle endurance, improved significantly in the NKT group. Plank endurance time increased from a mean of 45.2 seconds (SD 10.5) at baseline to 61.0 seconds (SD 12.4) post-intervention, while the control group showed a smaller improvement. Side-bridge endurance times also demonstrated a greater increase in the NKT group (30.4 seconds [SD 8.2] to 42.6 seconds [SD 9.3]) compared to the control group. The Wilcoxon test confirmed these improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.01). Conclusion. The findings suggest that interventional techniques such as NKT should be incorporated into clinical practice for managing chronic low back pain, especially when core dysfunction is present.