Lumbar stabilisation exercises versus back endurance-resistance exercise training in athletes with chronic low back pain: protocol of a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is an important disorder in athletes that may negatively affect their performance in competitions. The literature usually recommends physiotherapy based on exercises for back pain management in athletes. Recent evidence suggests that interventions based on lumbar muscle stabilisation exercises (LMSE) and back endurance-resistance exercises (BERE) may improve back pain and function performance. However, it is still unclear which type of exercise is more effective for the treatment of CLBP in athletes.Objective To compare the efficacy of LMSE versus BERE in athletes with CLBP.Design The study is a 2-arm, prospectively registered, randomised controlled trial.Setting The physical therapy clinical and biomechanics laboratory of the UNOPAR University.Participants 32 male athletes with CLBP, age between 18 and 40 years old, recruited from the local community.Intervention An 8-week intervention programme will be carried out with LMSE s versus BERE.Measurements Trunk neuromuscular patterns during balance tasks (unipodal and over a ball) using electromyography and force platform parameters, pain, disability, fear and avoidance will be assessed by a blinded assessor at baseline and at follow-up after 8 weeks of intervention period.Limitations The absence of blinding intervention and the exclusion of female athletes, seated sports and swimmers will affect the internal and external validity of the study.Conclusions The results of this study will elucidate which of these two interventions promote better results in trunk neuromuscular pattern, back pain and function in male athletes with CLBP.