Effect of Progressive Lumbar Stabilization Exercises Among University Students with Non-Specific Low-Back Pain Over Post-COVID-19

Low-back pain (LBP) has significantly reduced daily activities, work hours and societal productivity, with an increase since the COVID-19 pandemic.The study aimed to investigate the effects of progressive lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE) on back flexibility and pain intensity after four weeks and follow-up until week eight in students with Non-specific low-back pain (NSLBP) after COVID-19.A total of 34 UPSI students with NSLBP (pain duration: >6 months, age: 23.4±2.1 years, weight: 67.2±9.2 kg, BMI: 24.9±1.35kg.m -2) participated in this study and they were randomly assigned to the LSE (n=17) or control (n=17) groups.The LSE group performed pelvic tilt, double knee-to-chest, bridging, bird dog, superman, cat and camel and partial curl-up exercises for eight weeks, 30 minutes and three sessions per week.The Sit and Reach test was used to assess back flexibility, and pain intensity was assessed using the VAS at the baseline, weeks 4 and 8.In baseline, week 4 th and endpoint times, there was a significant difference in back flexibility (F 1, 28= 9.9, p =0.003) and pain intensity (F 1, 28= 4.8, p =0.023) between the LSE and control groups.After four weeks, the LSE group experienced a significant increase in back flexibility (p=.019).In conclusion, this progressive LSE improved back flexibility after four weeks and reduced pain intensity after eight weeks in university students who suffered from NSLBP after the COVID-19 pandemic.