The effect of core stabilization exercise on lumbar joint position sense in patients with subacute non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effect of core stabilization exercise (CSE) on joint position sense, pain intensity, and functional disability in patients with subacute non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). [Participants and Methods] Thirty-eight participants with subacute nonspecific low back pain of 6-12 weeks duration, aged 18-60 years, were included in this study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: a core stabilization exercise group (n=19) or a control group (n=19). Outcomes measures included lumbar joint repositioning error (LJRE), numeric pain rating scale (11-NRS), and the Roland-Morris disability questionnaires (RMDQ). Measures were taken at baseline, 4 weeks, 7 weeks of intervention, and at 4 weeks after the last intervention. [Results] All outcomes measures were significantly improved in the core stabilization exercise group, compared with the control group. [Conclusion] Core stabilization exercise can improve acuity of joint position sense, reduce pain, and functional disability compared with thermal therapy. The finding demonstrated that core stabilization exercises are more suitable for patients with subacute NSLBP than thermal therapy and this should be useful to clinicians.