Effect of Pilates Core Stabilization in Adjunct with Plyometric Shoulder Training on Low Back Pain in Fast Bowlers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is common among cricket fast bowlers.To improve performance and lower the risk of injury, rehabilitation should focus on both core stability and upper limb strength.This study aims to assess the synergistic impact of Pilates core stability and plyometric shoulder training on pain, functionality, and performance in fast bowlers with persistent low back pain.Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 36 male fast bowlers aged 17 to 25.The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A had a six-week intervention including Pilates and plyometric shoulder training, while Group B received conventional physiotherapy treatment.The outcome measures included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Cricket Ball Throw Test (CBTT), Vertical Jump Test (VJT), and biomechanical accuracy (BMA), which were evaluated using Coach Eye and Hudl.Non-parametric tests were used because the data had a non-normal distribution.Results: Group A demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all variables: NPRS (p=0.001),ODI (p=0.002),CBTT (p=0.004),VJT (p=0.002), and BMA (p=0.003).Although Group B showed minor improvements, Group A's outcomes were significantly superior at week six (p