The Role of Core and Functional Exercises in Low Back and Neck Pain

Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ)

An internationally recognized questionnaire used to assess musculoskeletal symptoms. It specifically asks about pain, discomfort, and limited movement in areas such as the back, neck, and shoulders. The questionnaire divides the body into nine anatomical regions and asks whether pain, discomfort, or limited movement has been experienced in the last 12 months and the last 7 days. A higher score indicates greater prevalence and frequency of pain.

Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

This is a simple and reliable self-report scale used to measure pain intensity. The participant is usually shown a 10 cm long line; one end of the line represents "no pain" (0), and the other end represents "unbearable pain" (10). The participant marks a point on the line according to the intensity of pain they are currently experiencing. Pain intensity is numerically determined by measuring the position of the mark on the line.

Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)

This 10-section scale covers topics such as pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, social life, travel, and sexual life. Each section is scored from 0 to 5. A higher total score indicates a greater degree of functional disability due to low back pain. Results from the scale are expressed as percentages, with 0-20% representing minimal disability, 21-40% representing moderate disability, 41-60% representing severe disability, 61-80% representing severe disability, and 81-100% representing complete dependency.

Neck Disability Index (NDI)

This is a valid and reliable scale widely used in clinical and research settings that measures the impact of neck pain on individuals' activities of daily living. This 10-section scale covers topics such as pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headache, concentration, working, driving, sleep, and recreational activities. Each section is scored from 0 to 5. As the total score increases, the functional disability associated with neck pain increases. The resulting score is expressed as a percentage, with 0-20% representing minimal disability, 21-40% representing moderate disability, 41-60% representing severe disability, 61-80% representing severe disability, and 81-100% representing complete dependency.

Functional Movement Screen (FMS)

The FMS is a valid and reliable assessment tool that examines an individual's basic movement patterns and is used to determine movement quality and potential injury risk. It consists of seven different tests: deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability. Each movement is scored from 0 to 3, with a total score ranging from 0 to 21. Lower scores indicate functional movement limitations and a higher risk of injury, while higher scores indicate better movement quality and postural control.

Plank and Side Plank Tests

The plank test measures how long an individual can maintain a correct plank position on their forearms and toes, and this time is recorded in seconds. The side plank test measures the time an individual can maintain a side plank position to assess the lateral core muscles. Both tests provide information about the isometric endurance of the core muscles. The longer the duration, the better the core endurance.

Sit-to-Stand Test

In this test, the individual is asked to sit down and stand up from a chair as many times as possible within a specific time period (e.g., 30 seconds), or the time taken to complete five repetitions of the sit-to-stand movement is recorded. The resulting value provides information about lower extremity strength, functional independence, and mobility. A shorter time or a greater number of repetitions indicates better lower extremity strength and functional capacity.