Effect of core stabilization exercises on lumbar lordotic angle in patients with lumbar disc degeneration

Introduction
Although core stabilization exercises (CSEs) prove to be effective in patients with various musculoskeletal disorders, their impact in lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) has not been fully investigated. This study aimed to examine the effects of CSEs on lumbar lordotic angle (LLA), pain intensity, and functional disability in patients with LDD.

Methods
Overall, 97 adult patients of both genders with LDD were randomly assigned to the study or control group. The study group (n = 48) received CSEs in addition to traditional physical therapy; the control group (n = 49) received only traditional physical therapy, 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks. LLA, pain intensity, and functional disability were determined before and after the treatment program. LLA was measured with the Surgimap Spine software on marked lateral view X-ray films (OmniDiagnost Eleva); pain intensity was evaluated with visual analogue scale (VAS); functional disability was assessed with Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

Results
There was no significant pre-treatment difference between the groups in LLA (p = 0.84), VAS (p = 0.49), or ODI (p = 0.12). Significant post-treatment differences were observed in both groups in all variables (p = 0.001). However, there was a significant decrease in the mean post-treatment values of all variables (p = 0.001) in the study group compared with the control group.

Conclusions
CSEs could provide an additional effect of improving LLA, pain intensity, and functional abilities in patients with LDD.