Effects of trunk stabilization and lower extremity strength training on pain, disability, balance and golf performance in amateur golfers with nonspecific low back pain

BackgroundCurrently, no studies have investigated the effectiveness of combining trunk stabilization exercises with lower extremity strength training in amateur golfers with low back pain.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of a rehabilitation program incorporating trunk stabilization exercises and lower extremity strength training on pain, disability, balance, and golf performance in amateur golfers with nonspecific LBP (NSLBP).MethodsAmateur golfers with NSLBP (n = 30) were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG; n = 15) or the control group (CG; n = 15). The EG participated in a rehabilitation program that included trunk stabilization exercises and lower extremity strengthening exercises, while the CG performed golf swing exercises and stretching. Both groups trained for the same duration-40 min/day, four times per week, for 6 weeks.ResultsAn interaction effect was found in visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores (p < .05), and EG was significantly reduced more than CG. In balance ability, an interaction effect was found in total balance ability in the eyes-open condition, and left-right balance, pressure area, and total balance ability in the eyes-closed condition (p < .05), and balance ability improved more in EG than CG. In golf performance, an interaction effect was found in driver distance and ball speed (p < .05), and both EG and CG improved.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that a rehabilitation program combining trunk stabilization exercises and lower extremity strengthening exercises is more effective than general swing exercises and stretching in improving pain, disability, balance in amateur golfers with NSLBP.