The Role of Core Stability Exercises in Lumbopelvic Coordination in Men With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lumbopelvic rhythm describes the relationship between the lumbar spine and hip motion during trunk bending tasks, while the lumbar lordosis angle represents the normal sagittal curvature of the lumbar spine. This study aimed to investigate the effect of core stabilisation exercises on lumbopelvic rhythm, lumbar lordosis angle, and pain in men with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted among men aged 30-50 years with CNSLBP in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces of Iran. Participants (n = 28) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 14), which received core stabilisation training for eight weeks (three sessions per week, 45-60 min per session), and a control group (n = 14) with no intervention. Lumbopelvic rhythm during trunk flexion and return was assessed using Kinovea software and smartphone video analysis; lumbar lordosis angle was measured using a flexible ruler; and pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: At baseline, there were no significant differences between groups in pain, lumbopelvic rhythm, or lumbar lordosis. After 8 weeks, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in pain compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.05). However, significant changes in lumbopelvic rhythm were only observed in the hip return angle and the lumbar-to-hip ratio during forward bending. No significant differences were found in other angles or in lumbar lordosis. CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that core stabilisation exercises significantly reduced pain in men with CNSLBP; however, no significant changes were observed in lumbopelvic rhythm patterns or lumbar lordosis angle, suggesting that pain relief may occur through neuromuscular or functional adaptations rather than structural changes in the spine or pelvis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20240210060953N1 Registration date: 2024/03/09.