Effect of Graded Activity Exercise, Motor Control Exercise and Conventional Exercise in Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Comparative Study

Background: Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is an uncomfortable medical condition leading to various physical, occupational, and emotional problems.

Objectives: The goal of this study is to find and compare the effect of Graded activity exercise (GAEx), Motor control exercise (MCEx) and Conventional exercise (ConvEx) on NSLBP evaluated using Modified Oswestry Low back pain Disability Index (MOLDI).

Methods: 36 subjects were divided into 3 groups, 12 samples each, had been evaluated using a MOLDI prior to intervention and 3 weeks post intervention. Group A received GAEx with ConvEx, Group B received MCEx with ConvEx and Group C received only ConvEx.

Results: A paired samples t-test for difference within GAEx group Pre-and Post-values showed that there was a significant difference with t (11) = 5.62, p = < .05. A Wilcoxon signed rank test for MCEx_Pre – post and ConvEx_Pre – post interventions were significant with z = -3.06, p = < 0.05 and z = -3.06, p = < 0.05 respectively. A Kruskal-Wallis H test showed that there was no statistically significant difference in MOLDI score between different treatments, X2(2) = 4.167, p = > 0.05

Conclusion: The results of this trial suggest that MCEx and GAEx have similar effects when applied to a NSLBP.