Isokinetic back training is more effective than core stabilization training on pain intensity and sports performances in football players with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Isokinetic training (IKT) and core stabilization training (CST) are commonly used for balance training in musculoskeletal conditions. The knowledge about the effective implementation of these training protocols on sports performances in university football players with chronic low back pain (LBP) is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To find and compare the effects of IKT and CST on sports performances in university football players with chronic LBP. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blinded controlled study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty LBP participants divided into isokinetic group (IKT; n = 20), core stabilization group (CST; n = 20), and the control group (n = 20) and received respected exercises for 4 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical (pain intensity and player wellness) and sports performances (40 m sprint, 4 × 5 m sprint, submaximal shuttle running, counter movement jump, and squat jump) scores were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 3 months. RESULTS: Four weeks following training IKT group shows more significant changes in pain intensity and player wellness scores than CST and control groups (P ≤ .001). Sports performance variables (40 m sprint, 4 × 5 m sprint, submaximal shuttle running, counter movement jump and squat jump) scores also show significant improvement in IKT group than the other 2 groups (P ≤ .001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that training through IKT improves pain intensity and sports performances than CST in university football players with chronic LBP.