Effectiveness of Posterior Chain Resistance Exercises and Spinal Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Strength, and Disability in Runners With Non-specific Low Back Pain.

Background Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition among recreational runners and may negatively affect pain, trunk muscle strength, and functional ability. Repetitive mechanical loading during running can contribute to lumbopelvic dysfunction and reduced spinal stability. Although spinal stabilization exercises are widely used in rehabilitation, the additional benefits of posterior chain resistance exercises remain unclear. Objectives This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of posterior chain resistance exercises combined with spinal stabilization exercises on pain, strength, and disability in recreational runners with NSLBP and to compare their effects with spinal stabilization exercises alone. Methods Thirty-six male recreational runners aged 18-25 years with NSLBP were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups (n=18 each). Group A received posterior chain resistance exercises combined with spinal stabilization exercises, while Group B received spinal stabilization exercises alone. Interventions were administered every three days for six weeks. Pain was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), trunk muscle strength using a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU), and disability using the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI). Outcome measures were recorded before and after the intervention period. Results Significant improvements in pain, strength, and disability were observed within both groups following six weeks of intervention (p≤0.001). In Group A, pain scores decreased from 6.22±0.73 to 2.72±0.66, strength improved from 41.88±1.72 to 43.88±2.15, and disability scores decreased from 22.44±2.70 to 19.22±3.07. In Group B, pain scores decreased from 6.11±0.75 to 3.27±0.75, strength improved from 41.83±2.01 to 42.94±2.18, and disability scores decreased from 22.00±2.35 to 18.88±2.49 (p≤0.001). Between-group analysis demonstrated significantly greater pain reduction in Group A compared with Group B (p=0.025). No significant differences were found between groups for strength (p=0.206) or disability (p=0.723). Conclusion Both interventions were effective in improving pain, strength, and disability in recreational runners with NSLBP. However, the addition of posterior chain resistance exercises resulted in greater pain reduction than spinal stabilization exercises alone, suggesting that it may be a valuable component of rehabilitation programs for recreational runners with NSLBP.