Effectiveness of ELDOA Exercises Combined with Core Strengthening Exercises in Reducing Pain and Improving Functional Ability in Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: Pre and Post Intervention Analysis

Abstract

Background: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal
disorder that significantly affects quality of life, occupational productivity, and psychological
wellbeing. Numerous exercise-based physiotherapy interventions are used in its management, among
which spinal decompression techniques such as ELDOA (Etirements Longitudinaux avec Decoaptation
Osteo-Articulaire) and neuromuscular core strengthening exercises have gained increasing clinical
attention. However, the combined effect of these two approaches on pain and functional ability in the
Indian clinical context has not been widely documented.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to see how effective a combined program of ELDOA and core
strengthening exercises was in reducing pain and improving functional abilities in patients with chronic
non-specific low back pain.
Methods: Pre- and post-intervention evaluations were performed on thirty participants using the Visual
Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain levels and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional ability,
before and after a structured six-week program of 18 supervised sessions (3 sessions/week, 60
minutes/session comprising 30 minutes of ELDOA followed by 30 minutes of progressive core
strengthening).
Results: The results showed a considerable reduction in pain levels and a significant increase in
functional ability following the intervention, with all outcome measures demonstrating statistically
significant improvement (p<0.001).
Conclusion: These data suggest the use of combined ELDOA and core strengthening exercises as an
effective intervention for treating pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with chronic non-
specific low back pain.