The Effectiveness of Home-Based Exercises Versus Supervised Core Stability Exercises on Pain and Functional Disability in Controlled Hypertensive Patients with Chronic Mechanical Non-specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Hanaa Ali Hafez, Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed, Abdelrazak A. Ahmed, Rania Hakim Hamed, Kamal Eldin Ahmed, Efrem Kentiba, Dina Sayed Abd Allah

Abstract


Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a home-based exercise program versus a supervised core stability exercise program in treating chronic mechanical non-specific low back pain (CMNSLBP) in patients with controlled hypertension. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, (n=30) hypertensive patients with CMNSLBP were randomly assigned into two Group A (n=15) who received supervised core stability exercises, and Group B (n=15) followed a home-based exercise regimen. Both groups underwent a six-week intervention. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 0–10 cm), lumbar flexion range of motion (ROM) via the Modified-modified Schober test (measured in centimeters from baseline to maximal flexion), and functional disability with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI; scored 0–100%). Assessments were conducted at baseline and after the 6-week intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved pain intensity, lumbar flexion ROM, and functional disability. Group A’s mean VAS score decreased from 7.13 ± 1.07 to 5.13 ± 0.07 (p<0.001), while Group B’s mean VAS score decreased from 7.13 ± 1.07 to 5.36 ± 0.02 (p<0.001). Group A’s mean flexion ROM increased from 3.48 ± 0.49 cm to 3.95 ± 0.39 cm (p<0.001), and Group B’s from 3.45 ± 0.50 cm to 3.92 ± 0.46 cm (p<0.001). Group A’s mean ODI score decreased from 45.55 ± 1.3 to 32.8 ± 0.83 (p<0.001), and Group B’s from 44.95 ± 2.00 to 33.1 ± 0.13 (p<0.001). Between-group comparisons revealed significantly greater pain reduction in Group A (supervised) vs. Group B (home-based) (P=0.001), lumbar flexion ROM improvement (P=0.02), and functional disability reduction (P=0.01). Conclusion: Both supervised core stability and home-based exercise programs effectively reduce pain intensity, improve lumbar flexibility, and decrease functional disability in hypertensive patients with CMNSLBP. Supervised programs offer slightly better outcomes, but home-based programs are a viable, cost-effective alternative. Trial registration: NCT06387927, April 25th, 2024. “Retrospectively registered”

Keywords


Low Back Pain; Hypertension; Exercise Therapy; Core Strengthening; Home Care

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.13n.2p.70

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