Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) affects pain, balance, and functional ability. This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) and Pilates, both combined with conventional physiotherapy, on pain, dynamic balance, and functional performance.
A total of 68 participants aged 18-40 years will be randomly assigned to either a WBV group or a Pilates group. Both groups will receive treatment three times per week for four weeks. Outcomes will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (pain), Y-Balance Test (dynamic balance), and Progressive Isoinertial Lifting Evaluation (functional performance).
The results will help determine which intervention is more effective for managing CNSLBP and guide evidence-based rehabilitation practices.
Male and Female (18-40 years age)
Pain lasting for more than 12 weeks(determined by patient history)
Pain scores (VAS) ranging from 3 to 8 points
Pain located between T12 and gluteal folds(determined via palpation)
History of spinal surgery, fractures, tumors, infections, or inflammatory spinal disease.
Pregnant or lactating( strongly contraindicated for whole body vibration due to potential fetal risk and pelvic instability)
Radicular pain, nerve root compression or neurological deficits.
Medical comorbidities (e.g cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine or metabolic disease)(5).
Parallel
Whole body vibration
Other interventionWhole-body vibration therapy will be delivered using a side-alternating vibration platform under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist. The intervention will be performed 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Each session will last 30 minutes, consisting of 10 bouts of 2 minutes vibration followed by 1 minute rest. Vibration parameters will include a frequency of 18 Hz and an amplitude of 2 mm. Participants will maintain a static standing posture with slight knee flexion, slight lumbar lordosis, and head erect. No additional exercises will be performed on the platform to isolate the effect of vibration. Participants will wear socks during the intervention. All participants will also receive conventional physiotherapy, including: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): 100 Hz frequency, 200 µs pulse duration, 10 minutes Joint mobilization: oscillations at 1-2 Hz applied for approximately 5 minutes to hypomobile or painful lumbar segments
Pilates
Other interventionMat-based Pilates exercises will be performed under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist. The intervention will be conducted 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes, using a 2:1 work-rest ratio similar to the WBV group. The program will include: Diaphragmatic breathing: 2 min activity + 1 min rest The Hundred: 2 sets of 2 min with 30 sec rest Roll Up: 5 cycles (40 sec activity + 20 sec rest) Single Leg Circles: small and large circles (40 sec each + 20 sec rest), bilaterally Spine Stretch: 5 cycles (40 sec activity + 20 sec rest) Single Leg Stretch: 4 cycles (40 sec activity + 20 sec rest) Diaphragmatic breathing (cool-down): 2 min activity + 1 min rest Exercises will be performed at low to moderate intensity, focusing on core stabilization, breathing control, flexibility, and controlled movement. All participants will also receive conventional physiotherapy, including TENS (100 Hz, 200 µs, 10 minutes) and lumbar joint mobilizatio
Pain intensity
Outcome Measure: Change in dynamic balance measured using the Y-Balance Test. Description: Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Y-Balance Test. Reach distances in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions will be normalized to limb length, and a composite score (%) will be calculated. Higher composite scores indicate better dynamic balance.
Dynamic Balance
Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Y-Balance Test Composite Reach Distance, normalized to limb length. Composite scores range from 0% to 100%. Higher scores indicate better dynamic balance. Unit of Measure: Percent (%)
Functional performance
Outcome Measure: Change in functional performance measured using the Progressive Isoinertial Lifting Evaluation (PILE). Description: Functional performance will be assessed using the Progressive Isoinertial Lifting Evaluation (PILE), which measures lifting capacity during a standardized lifting task. The primary outcome will be the maximum weight lifted (kg) and the number of completed lifting stages. Higher values indicate better functional performance.
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