Core Endurance Versus Segmental Stabilization Exercise in Recreational Athletes With Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint among athletes, and most cases are classified as non-specific low back pain, in which no clear anatomical or pathological source of pain can be identified. Recreational athletes, who exercise regularly for health and fitness rather than for competition, often have less structured training planning and technical supervision than professional athletes, which may increase their susceptibility to musculoskeletal complaints. Core stability has become an important consideration in the prevention and management of low back pain. The core region includes the abdominal muscles, paraspinal muscles, diaphragm, and pelvic floor muscles, and plays an important role in maintaining spinal stability. Reduced activation and endurance of these muscles may increase the load on the lumbar spine and contribute to the development of low back pain. This randomized trial compares two exercise approaches in recreational athletes with non-specific low back pain: a core endurance exercise program and a segmental stabilization exercise program targeting the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus. Participants are randomly assigned to one of the two programs, both delivered three days per week for six weeks under physiotherapist supervision. Pain and functional status, dynamic balance, and core muscle endurance are assessed before the program and at the end of the six-week program.