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Exercise Interventions for Overweight Men With Chronic Low Back Pain
Sponsor: Universiti Sains Malaysia
Summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of motor control exercise, aerobic walking exercise, and muscle strengthening exercise in overweight male adults with non-specific chronic low back pain and central sensitization. A total of 156 participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: motor control exercise plus patient education, aerobic walking exercise plus patient education, muscle strengthening exercise plus patient education, or patient education only. The interventions will be delivered over 12 weeks. The primary outcome is conditioned pain modulation (CPM), which reflects endogenous pain inhibitory function. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, disability, health-related quality of life, executive function, and isometric trunk muscle strength. Body weight and body mass index will also be assessed as exploratory variables. Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention, and at 6-month follow-up.
Official title: Effectiveness of Motor Control, Aerobic Walking, and Muscle Strengthening Exercises in Improving Outcomes in Overweight Male Patients With Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
18 Years - 59 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
156
Start Date
2026-07-05
Completion Date
2027-04-05
Last Updated
2026-07-07
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Motor Control Exercise
A supervised motor control exercise program targeting deep trunk stabilizing muscles (Motor control exercises (drawing-in, multifidus, bridging, quadruped). The program focuses on improving muscle activation, coordination, and motor control during functional tasks. Sessions will be delivered twice weekly for 12 weeks under physiotherapist supervision.
Aerobic Walking Exercise
A supervised moderate-intensity aerobic walking program designed to improve cardiovascular fitness and enhance endogenous pain inhibitory mechanisms. (5-min warm-up (treadmill) + 20-40 min moderate walking + 5-min cool-down + 30s stretching). Participants will perform structured walking sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks, monitored by a physiotherapist.
Muscle Strengthening Exercise
A supervised progressive resistance training program targeting trunk and lower limb muscles. Exercises will focus on improving muscular strength, endurance, and functional capacity. (Rectus abdominis, obliques (OI/OE), erector spinae: curl-ups, side planks, bird dog, prone extension). The program will be delivered twice weekly for 12 weeks under physiotherapist supervision.
Patient Education
A structured educational program covering chronic low back pain mechanisms, posture correction, physical activity guidance, and self-management strategies. (Health education lectures + 10-min discussion: pain neuroscience, posture, self-management) Education will be delivered throughout the 12-week intervention period.
Locations (1)
Physiotherapy Clinic at the College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran City, Saudi Arabia.
Najran, Najran Region, Saudi Arabia