RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of static exercise programme compared to Swiss ball training for core muscles of the lower back and pelvic region in patients with low back pain after child delivery. METHODS: The prospective single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted at Rehabilitation department of Pakistan Railway General Hospital Rawalpindi from March to December 2018, and comprised patients with low back pain after delivery who were randomised into 2 equal groups. The subjects in Group A received static core exercises, while those in Group B got Swiss ball training. Outcome was measured using numeric pain rating scale, Oswestry disability index, goniometry and core stability assessment scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients, 15(50%) were in Group A with mean age of 28.38±4.8 years, and 15(50%) were in Group B with a mean age of 29.57±3.3 years. Intra-group difference was significant (p<0.05), while inter-group difference was non-significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both exercise protocols used in the study were equally effective in the rehabilitation of postpartum low back pain.
