Comparative Effects of Core Stability and Postural Control Training on Pain, Disability, and Sensorimotor Function in Women with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparative the effects of core stability training (CST) and postural control training (PCT) on pain, functional disability, proprioception, balance, and quality of life (QOL) in middle-aged women with chronic non-specific low back pain
Design
A controlled clinical trial practical groups, single blind, randomized, phase 3, conducted on 51 patient. Computer software was used for randomization.
Settings and conduct
Women with history of chronic non-specific low back pain who have been approved by medicin and refered to Arvand physiotherapy clinic and had at least 3 months elapsed since their chronic non-specific low back pain were invited to participate in this study
Participants/Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Being female and middle-age, more than 3 months elapsed since chronic non-specific low back pain
Intervention groups
Intervention group: core stability training or postural control training, Control group: did not receive any training
Main outcome variables
Scores of visual anloge scale for pain, Roland-Morris Disability and Oswestry Disability questionnaire, static balance, lumbo-pelvic proprioception, and quality of life
General information
Reason for update
Acronym
IRCT registration information
IRCT registration number:IRCT20250519065806N2
Registration date:2026-04-12, 1405/01/23
Registration timing:prospective
Last update:2026-04-12, 1405/01/23
Update count:0
Registration date
2026-04-12, 1405/01/23
Registrant information
Name
Mostafa Jalili Bafrouei
Name of organization / entity
University of Tehran
Country
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Phone
+98 21 8837 2580
Email address
m.jalili.b@ut.ac.ir
Recruitment status
Recruitment complete
Funding source
Expected recruitment start date
2026-09-06, 1405/06/15
Expected recruitment end date
2026-10-06, 1405/07/14
Actual recruitment start date
empty
Actual recruitment end date
empty
Trial completion date
empty
Scientific title
Comparative Effects of Core Stability and Postural Control Training on Pain, Disability, and Sensorimotor Function in Women with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial
Public title
Comparative Effects of Core Stability and Postural Control Training on chronic non-specific low back pain
Purpose
Supportive
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:
female sex
middle age (40-57)
chronic non-specific low back pain for more than three months
absence of specific spinal pathology or musculoskeletal disoredrs
approved chronic non-specific low back pain by doctor of medicine
Willingness to participate in the intervention and written informed consent
Pain intensity of at least 3 out of 10 based on the visual analog scale
No participation in structured rehabilitation or corrective exercise programs during the previous three months.
Exclusion criteria:
History of spinal surgery
Presence of specific spinal disorders such as: lumbar disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis
Presence od radiculopathy or radiating pain to the lower limbs
Neurological or vestibular disorders affecting balance or motor control
Musculoskeletal injury in the lower extrimities during the past six months
Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant during the study period
absence from more than two exercise sessions during the interventional period
Age
From 40 years old to 57 years old
Gender
Female
Phase
3
Groups that have been masked
Outcome assessor
Data analyser
Data and Safety Monitoring Board
Sample size
Target sample size:
51
More than 1 sample in each individual
Number of samples in each individual:
1
Cchronic non-specific low back pain data of lumbar function
Randomization (investigator's opinion)
Randomized
Randomization description
After completion of baseline assessments, participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: core stability training (CST), postural control training (PCT), or control. Randomization was performed using a simple random allocation procedure with a 1:1:1 ratio to ensure equal group sizes.
The randomization sequence was generated using a computer-based random number generator by a researcher who was not involved in participant recruitment, intervention delivery, or outcome assessment. Allocation assignments were placed in sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelopes, which were opened only after completion of baseline measurements.
To reduce assessment bias, the outcome assessor remained blinded to group allocation throughout the study. Participants were instructed not to disclose their assigned intervention during post-intervention testing.
Blinding (investigator's opinion)
Single blinded
Blinding description
Outcome assessor and data and statistical analyzer will
be blinded from knowing intervention groups. This
individual, a physiotherapist, is blinded to group
allocation and is unaware of which participants belong to
the intervention group and which belong to the control
group.
Placebo
Not used
Assignment
Parallel
Other design features
Secondary Ids
empty
Ethics committees
1
Ethics committee
Name of ethics committee
Ethics Committee of the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran
Street address
Simon Bolivar street, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University,
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1466998567
Approval date
2024-08-31, 1403/06/10
Ethics committee reference number
IR.IAU.SRB.REC.1403.295
Health conditions studied
1
Description of health condition studied
Chronic non-specific low back pain
ICD-10 code
M40.56
ICD-10 code description
Lordosis, unspecified, lumbar region
Primary outcomes
1
Description
Pain intensity, Functional disability, Lumbo-pelvic proprioception, Static balance, Quality of life (QOL)
Timepoint
First week and 8 weeks
Method of measurement
Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index, Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire, joint position reproduction test (Goniometer), Stork Stand Test, Short form SF-36 questionnaire
Secondary outcomes
empty
Intervention groups
1
Description
Intervention group: After obtaining ethical approval, middle-aged women with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) who met the study inclusion criteria were invited to participate. Eligible participants were identified through structured interviews and questionnaires collecting demographic and medical history data. Inclusion criteria were female sex, middle age, CNSLBP for more than three months, and absence of specific spinal pathology. Exclusion criteria included a history of spinal surgery, radiculopathy, neurological or vestibular disorders, recent lower extremity injury, or participation in structured rehabilitation programs during the study.All participants received detailed verbal and written explanations of the study objectives, procedures, and their responsibilities, and provided written informed consent. Demographic characteristics, physical activity history, and pain intensity were collected via questionnaires and face-to-face interviews.A total of 51 eligible participants were randomly allocated into three equal groups: core stability training (CST) (n = 17), postural control training (PCT) (n = 17), and control (n = 17). The two intervention groups completed supervised exercise programs three times per week for eight consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes, including a 10-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of main exercises, and a 5-minute cool-down. Exercise intensity and difficulty were progressively increased based on participants’ mastery and tolerance. CSTProtocol: This program included exercises such as plank, side plank, bird dog, glute bridge, and single-leg bridge, emphasizing controlled isometric contraction of deep trunk muscles, maintenance of neutral spinal alignment, and coordinated breathing. Hold times increased progressively from 5–7 seconds in week one to 26–28 seconds by week eight. PCT Protocol: This program consisted of three progressive phases over eight weeks. The first two weeks were performed on stable surfaces, weeks three to five on a gym ball to increase neuromuscular demand, and weeks six to eight incorporated external resistance using elastic bands and weights. Emphasis was placed on maintaining neutral spinal posture, activating deep trunk muscles, and progressively increasing exercise intensity.All participants were assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Outcome measures included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), health-related quality of life (Short Form-36), functional disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index), static balance (Stork Stand Test), and lumbar-pelvic proprioception (joint position reproduction test with goniometer).
Category
Rehabilitation
2
Description
Contol group:After obtaining the ethical approval code, women will be invited to participate in this study. To invite participants, the researcher will visit the physician’s office and, after reviewing the medical records of individuals who have chronic non-specific low back pain will select samples for this study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These criteria will be evaluated through contact with the individuals. Based on the sample size assessment and their initial willingness to participate, the study’s objectives and the potential positive and negative outcomes of participation will be explained to them. They will also be assured that they can withdraw from the study at any stage if they no longer wish to continue. Then, the informed consent form will be provided to those who confirm their willingness to participate, and they will be asked to sign it. Following this, demographic information including age, weight, and height will be collected through face-to-face interviews. Outcome measures included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), health-related quality of life (Short Form-36), functional disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnnaire and Oswestry Disability Index), static balance (Stork Stand Test), and lumbar-pelvic proprioception (joint position reproduction test with goniometer). Before starting the exercises, a pre-test will be conducted for all participants in the control group, with the order of the pre-test standardized for all individuals. In the control group, no intervention will be performed for 8 weeks, and individuals will continue their normal daily activities.
Category
Rehabilitation
Recruitment centers
1
Recruitment center
Name of recruitment center
Arvand Physiotherapy
Full name of responsible person
Mostafa Jalili Bafrouei
Street address
No.64, Darya Bolvd, Saadat Abad, Tehran
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1423654123
Phone
+98 912 175 5846
Email
m.jalili.b@ut.ac.ir
Sponsors / Funding sources
1
Sponsor
Name of organization / entity
Islamic Azad University
Full name of responsible person
Alireza Khoshdel
Street address
Simon Bolivar Blvd, Tehran
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1466998567
Phone
+98 21 8837 2580
Email
Dabir@srbiau.ac.ir
Grant name
Mo
Grant code / Reference number
Is the source of funding the same sponsor organization/entity?
Yes
Title of funding source
Islamic Azad University
Proportion provided by this source
100
Public or private sector
Public
Domestic or foreign origin
Domestic
Category of foreign source of funding
empty
Country of origin
Type of organization providing the funding
Academic
Person responsible for general inquiries
Contact
Name of organization / entity
Islamic Azad University
Full name of responsible person
Mohammad-Ali Seyed-Hoseini
Position
Assistant professor
Latest degree
Ph.D.
Other areas of specialty/work
Sport Medicine
Street address
Simon Bolivar Blvd, Tehran
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1416935840
Phone
+98 21 8837 2567
Email
ahoseini78@ut.ac.ir
Person responsible for scientific inquiries
Contact
Name of organization / entity
University of Tehran
Full name of responsible person
Mostafa Jalili Bafrouei
Position
PhD Student
Latest degree
Master
Other areas of specialty/work
Sport Medicine
Street address
17th North Kargar street, Tehran
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1423654123
Phone
+98 21 9109 9511
Email
m.jalili.b@ut.ac.ir
Person responsible for updating data
Contact
Name of organization / entity
University of Tehran
Full name of responsible person
Mostafa Jalili Bafrouei
Position
PhD Student
Latest degree
Master
Other areas of specialty/work
Sport Medicine
Street address
17th North Kargar street, Tehran
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1423654123
Phone
+98 21 8837 2581
Email
m.jalili.b@ut.ac.ir
Sharing plan
Deidentified Individual Participant Data Set (IPD)
Yes - There is a plan to make this available
Study Protocol
Yes - There is a plan to make this available
Statistical Analysis Plan
Yes - There is a plan to make this available
Informed Consent Form
Yes - There is a plan to make this available
Clinical Study Report
Yes - There is a plan to make this available
Analytic Code
Undecided - It is not yet known if there will be a plan to make this available
Data Dictionary
Undecided - It is not yet known if there will be a plan to make this available
Title and more details about the data/document
There is no further information
When the data will become available and for how long
3 Month after pulication
To whom data/document is available
Everyone
Under which criteria data/document could be used
For research and rehabilitation
From where data/document is obtainable
Email
What processes are involved for a request to access data/document