The effect of a selected spinal core-muscle stabilization training in water on pain intensity and lumbar lordosis

In recent years, a special emphasis has been placed on the abdominal transverse and multifidus muscles for the treatment of back pain and lumbar lordosis. Evidence reveals the difference in the function of these muscles among the individuals. This study aimed to examine the effect of a selected spinal core-muscle stabilization training in water on pain intensity and lumbar lordosis of female college students. This quasi-experimental study was performed on 43 volunteer students (22 and 21 in each of the experimental and control groups, respectively; mean age 18-25) with the history of low back pain. The experimental groups performed a 12-week hydrotherapy exercise (3 sessions per week) under the supervision of researcher and the control group did not perform any muscle training. Data were collected using a Quebec questionnaire and a flexible ruler on the first and last days of training for each participant. Results showed a significant decrease in back pain intensity and lumbar lordosis angle (P≤0.0001) in the experimental group, while no significant difference was observed between pretest and posttest data in the control group. Findings reveal that the core-muscle stabilization training of the spinal cord in water decreases the pain intensity and lumbar lordosis angle.