Effect of progressive postural control exercise and yoga on pain, disability and core muscle endurance in patients with chronic low back pain

Abstract Background Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition affecting millions globally, often leading to disability and impaired quality of life. It is a leading cause of disability, with significant impacts on functionality, social participation, and mental health. Various interventions, including progressive postural control exercise (PPCE), yoga, and conventional physiotherapy, are used to manage CLBP, but their comparative efficacy remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of PPCE, yoga, and conventional therapy in improving pain, disability, and core muscle endurance in individuals with CLBP. Methods A total of 36 participants were recruited for the study and assigned to three groups: group A (PPCE), group B (yoga), and group C (control). The study utilized a comparative experimental design with convenience sampling. Interventions lasted for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included pain intensity (measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale), pain-related disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), and core muscle endurance (Prone Plank Test). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests. Results Over 6 weeks, both PPCE and yoga significantly improved pain, disability, and core endurance compared to baseline. PPCE showed the largest reductions in NPRS (Δ = 5.08, 95% CI 4.14–6.03) and RMDQ (Δ = 12.17, 95% CI 8.21–16.12), while yoga produced the greatest increase in Prone Plank (Δ = 39.00 s, 95% CI −61.72 to −16.29). Post hoc analysis revealed PPCE reduced pain more than control ( P = 0.01), and yoga improved core endurance versus control ( P = 0.04). Conclusion At the end of 6 weeks, the PPCE group showed significant improvements in pain, disability, and core endurance, making it the most effective intervention. The yoga group showed significant gains in core endurance but not in pain or disability, while the control group showed minimal improvements. These findings suggest that progressive core exercises and yoga can be effectively integrated into conventional physiotherapy for managing chronic low back pain, enhancing overall outcomes through pain relief, functional improvement, and core stability.