Impact Of Motor Control Exercise On Pain And Disability Among Middle-Aged Individuals With Mechanical Low Back Pain In Puducherry

Abstract

Background:Mechanical low back pain (MLBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder among middle-aged adults, often linked to impaired spinal stability, muscular dysfunction, and poor postural control. While conventional physiotherapy provides symptomatic relief, motor control exercises aim to retrain deep trunk musculature, offering long-term functional improvements. Despite increasing global evidence supporting motor control interventions, there is limited region-specific clinical data, especially in South Indian populations, necessitating further investigation. Aim:To evaluate the effects of Motor Control Exercise (MCE) on pain and disability among middle-aged individuals with mechanical low back pain in Puducherry. Methodology: This was an experimental study involving 30 participants aged 20–50 years with mechanical low back pain. Participants were allocated into two groups by convenience sampling: the Motor Control Exercise (MCE) Group and the Conventional Physiotherapy (CP) Group. Each group underwent a 6-week intervention. Outcome Measures: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to assess pain intensity and functional disability respectively. Statistical Analysis & Results:
Data were analysed using SPSS v21.7. Chi-squared test was used to determine the homogeneity of demographic variables. Paired 't' test was used to compare pre- and post-test values within groups, and unpaired 't' test was used between groups. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in VAS and ODI scores post-intervention, with the MCE group showing significantly greater improvement in pain reduction (VAS: t = -5.144, p < 0.001) and disability reduction (ODI: t = -5.133, p < 0.001) compared to the CP group. Conclusion: Motor Control Exercise was more effective than conventional physiotherapy in reducing pain and disability among middle-aged individuals with mechanical low back pain. This protocol highlights the importance of deep trunk stabilization in managing MLBP.