Effect of core stabilization on lumbosacral angle in centrally obese adolescents: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effects of core stabilization exercises (CSE) on the lumbosacral angle (LSA), low back pain (LBP), and functional disability compared to conventional physical therapy in adolescents who are centrally obese.

Design: Randomized controlled study.

Methods: Forty adolescents with central obesity and chronic LBP were randomly assigned to either an experimental group participating in a structured CSE program or a control group receiving conventional physical therapy. Participants were randomly assigned to either group using concealed allocation through sealed opaque envelopes. Treatment sessions were 45 min, three times weekly for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was LSA, and Secondary measurements included the Functional Disability Inventory (FDI) to measure functional disability and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to determine the intensity of LBP. Both groups were tested before and after treatment.

Results: Both groups showed significant post-treatment improvements (p < 0.001). The experimental group showed greater improvement in LSA and FDI than the control group, with profound and very large effect sizes, respectively. No significant between-group difference was found for VAS, with a negligible effect size.

Conclusion: CSE and conventional therapy effectively manage chronic LBP in centrally obese adolescents, with stabilization programs significantly better at correcting the LSA and reducing disability.