Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization on Pain, Posture, and Quality of Life in Chronic Low Back Pain

NCT06807710 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2025-PT-MRVB-RCT
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises on individuals experiencing chronic non-specific low back pain for at least six months. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) marked on a 10-centimeter line. The impact of low back pain on daily activities will be evaluated through the Oswestry Disability Index, while its influence on quality of life will be determined using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Postural changes related to low back pain will be assessed using the New York Posture Scale. Lumbar range of motion will be measured using a goniometer.

Conditions

Chronic Low-back Pain

Keywords

Rehabilitation; Exercise Therapy; Physiotherapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

  The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to measure pain intensity by having participants mark their perceived level of pain on a 10-centimeter line ranging from 'no pain' to 'worst pain imaginable. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain ranges from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 10, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.

  8 weeks

• New York Posture Analysis

  The New York Posture Analysis is a validated and systematic tool used to evaluate postural alignment and deviations. This method involves visual inspection and scoring of key postural elements, including head, shoulders, spine, pelvis, and lower extremities, in both anterior-posterior and lateral views. Each segment is assessed for alignment and assigned a score based on observed deviations. The total score reflects the overall postural status, with higher scores indicating better postural alignment. This measure will be used to assess changes in posture pre- and post-intervention. The New York Posture Rating Scale scores range from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 36, with higher scores indicating better posture.

  8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)

  8 weeks

• Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey

  8 weeks

• Chest Circumference Measurement

  8 weeks

• Lumbar Range of Motion

  8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

DNS Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain will undergo a structured dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercise program. The intervention will be conducted twice a week, with each session lasting 45 minutes, over a period of 8 weeks. The program will focus on improving motor control, spinal stability, and neuromuscular coordination through DNS principles.

Other: DNS Group

Control Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive conventional physiotherapy, including basic exercises such as stretching, strengthening, and posture training. The intervention will be conducted twice a week, with each session lasting 45 minutes, over a period of 8 weeks.

Other: Control Group

Interventions

Control Group OTHER

Conventional physiotherapy program including stretching, strengthening, and posture exercises applied under physiotherapist supervision.

Control Group

DNS Group OTHER

Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises, on the other hand, are designed to achieve sagittal stabilization by utilizing the stabilizing function of the thoracic diaphragm muscle.

Also known as: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization

DNS Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 55 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 18 and 50 years
• Experiencing continuous or intermittent low back pain for more than 3 months, localized between the L1 region and gluteal muscles

You may not qualify if:

• Specific medical diagnoses such as spinal fractures or spinal stenosis
• Presence of rheumatological disorders
• Tumors
• History of lumbar surgery in the last 3 years
• Neurological problems
• Osteoporosis
• History of epilepsy, vertigo, headaches, or nausea
• Chronic lung diseases
• Prior physiotherapy treatment for low back pain
• Acute low back pain episodes
• Mental disorders
• Pregnancy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Uskudar University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Uskudar University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Application and Research Center

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Control Groups

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Epidemiologic Research Design; Epidemiologic Methods; Investigative Techniques; Research Design; Methods

Study Officials

• Filiz Eyuboglu, PhD.

  Uskudar University

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Mert Ilhan, MSc.

  Uskudar University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Physiotherapist

Model Details: Training and Control group

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 29, 2025
• First Posted: February 4, 2025
• Study Start: December 3, 2025
• Primary Completion: February 1, 2026
• Study Completion: March 25, 2026
• Last Updated: May 5, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)