COMPARISON OF CORE STABILITY AND PLYOMETRIC EXERCISES IN ATHLETES TO IMPROVE PAIN AND DISABILITY IN NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN

Abstract

Background: Low back pain in athletes is common. Core muscles action and function can be understood by the coordination of upper and lower limbs during sports and other dynamic activities. Plyometric exercises are a mainstream type of activity, most generally used to improve athletic performance. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of core stability and plyometric exercises in athletes to improve pain and disability in non-specific low back pain Study design and sampling technique: Current study was the randomized controlled trial. Simple random sampling technique was used in this study. The participants were divided into Group A and B according to Lottery method. Setting and participants: 38 subjects were considered for the study and divided into two equal groups of 19 each, randomly. Age of selected subjects ranges from 20-40 years. Data were collected from PSB. Interventions & data collection tools: Participants of groups A performed core stability exercises and group B did plyometric exercises. Pre-Treatment values of VAS and MODI were calculated. Results: Parametric and Non-parametric tests were performed. Within group comparison after 4th and 8th week was done by using Friedman ANOVA test and it indicated improved results in both groups. Between groups comparison after 4th and 8th week was made by using Mann-Whitney U Test and it showed significant changes in VAS and MODI scores. Conclusion: Core stability exercises are more effective than plyometric exercises in athletes to improve pain and disability in non-specific low back pain.