A COMPARATIVE STUDY TO ANALYZE THE EFFICACY OF CORE STABILIZATION EXERCISES VERSUS TRADITIONAL PLANK PROGRAMME TO TREAT NONSPECIFIC LOWER BACK DISCOMFORT IN FAST BOWLERS

Abstract

Background: An injury occurs when the body's tissues, such as bones, muscles, tendons, or ligaments, are unable to
tolerate the mechanical load placed upon them. In fast bowlers, the repetitive nature of bowling generates substantial
forces on the musculoskeletal system, making bowling workload - particularly its intensity and volume- a major
external risk factor for injury. Due to the repetitive high-intensity movements involved in bowling, the lower back is the
most commonly affected region, making it one of the leading sites of injury in this group of athletes. In this study Core
stabilization exercise and traditional plank program has been introduce to reduce pain and improve function.
Objective: The objective of the study is to i) Assess the efficacy of Core stabilization exercise in the treatment of non
specific lower back discomfort in fast bowlers, ii) Assess the efficacy of traditional plank program in the treatment of
non specific lower back discomfort in fast bowlers, iii) Assess the qualitative measures after back to sports, iv) Finally
the study will compare the results of both intervention strategies in terms of improving dynamic function in fast bowlers
diagnosed with non specific lower back discomfort.
Methods: 60 Fast bowler’s diagnosed with the lower back discomfort by orthopedic OPD or physiotherapy department
were initially assessed for the inclusion or exclusion criteria. Prior to the treatment procedure patient are oriented to the
study. Participants are divided into 2 groups and both groups assessed for the pre test parameter.
Outcome measure: VAS (Visual Analog Scale), Modified Oswestry Low Back pain disability Questionnaire is used for
measuring pre and post intervention evaluation.
Results: The Study was significant in reducing pain level and improving functional ability. At the end of eight week
intervention, for both group: Group A (core stabilization exercise) and Group B (Traditional plank program) showed
improvement in the symptoms. Based on the results the study supports research hypothesis that there was a significant
improvement in the Pain and functional ability or ADL performance associated with lower back discomfort.
Conclusion: The findings of the study showed that both Core stabilization exercise and traditional plank exercise
program is statistically significant improvements over a 8-week intervention period in terms of pain, lifting, walking,
standing and overall functional performance. Particularly, the Core stabilization exercise group showed superior
reductions in pain and reflecting better dynamic stability.