uteal Strengthening and IAP-Based Core Stabilization Exercises on Erector Spinae Muscle Stiffness, Postural Sway, Pain, and Disability in College Students with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Purpose This study aimed to compare the effects of gluteal strengthening exercises (GSE) and IntraAbdominal Pressure (IAP) based core stabilization exercises (IBCE) on erector spinae muscle stiffness, postural sway, pain, and functional disability in college students with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain (CNLBP). Methods Twentyfive college students with CNLBP were randomly assigned to either an IBCE group (n = 13) or a GSE group (n = 12). Both groups received 15minute interventions, three times per week, for six weeks, followed by a 2week followup measurement. Outcomes were measured using the MyotonPro, Zebris, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and Korean Oswestry Disability Index (KODI). Results Both groups showed significant decreases in pain and functional disability after the 6week intervention (p < .001), and these effects were maintained at the 2week followup. However, only the GSE group demonstrated significant decreases in erector spinae muscle stiffness and significant improvements in postural sway (p < .05). The IBCE group did not show significant changes in muscle stiffness and postural sway. There were no significant differences between the two groups across all measured variables. Conclusion Both interventions were associated with significant improvement in pain and functional disability in college students with CNLBP. While the GSE group showed significant withingroup improvements in reducing erector spinae muscle stiffness and postural sway, there were no significant differences between the two groups. Therefore, gluteal strengthening exercises may be a useful intervention for managing erector spinae muscle stiffness and enhancing postural control in individuals with CNLBP.