Comparative effect of Sahrmann exercises and core stabilization exercises on low back pain in individuals with lumbar lordosis

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of Sahrmann versus core stabilization exercises on pain and functional disability in low back pain (LBP) patients with lumbar hyperlordosis. Methods: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted at Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Seventy-two participants aged 20–60 years who had LBP and had lumbar hyperlordosis were randomized into either the Sahrmann exercise group or the core stabilization exercise group. Both groups received baseline physiotherapy. Three interventions were delivered per week for 4 weeks. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to assess pain intensity and functional disability, respectively. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of the data. Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann– Whitney U tests were used for within-group and between-group analyses, respectively. Results: After 4 weeks, there was significant improvement for both groups ( p < 0.001). The Sahrmann group had significantly better mean improvements in both NPRS (effect size r = 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81–0.94, p < 0.001) and ODI (ES = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77–0.92, p < 0.001) than the core stabilization group. Based on the magnitude of improvement, Sahrmann exercises are clinically significant for short-term relief of pain and disability in individuals with lumbar hyperlordosis. Conclusion: Sahrmann exercises showed more positive short-term benefits in pain and functional disability for patients with LBP with lumbar hyperlordosis.