Effects of 8-week core stabilization exercise with vitamin D supplement on pain and functional limitation in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain

Abstract

Background & objective: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a common, disabling condition that affects millions worldwide, often causing functional limitations and a reduced quality of life. This study examines the combined effects of 8 weeks of core stabilization exercises (CSE) and vitamin D supplementation on pain reduction and functional improvement in adults with CNSLBP, and whether combining CSE with vitamin D supplementation results in greater improvements in pain reduction and functional limitations than CSE alone.

Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 62 adults aged 25-45 years, diagnosed with CNSLBP. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group received 8 weeks of CSE and vitamin D supplementation, while the control group received only CSE. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional limitations were assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Blood tests for 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels were conducted before and after the intervention.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in the experimental group. VAS pain scores decreased (P = 0.000), ODI scores showed functional improvement (P = 0.002), and vitamin D levels increased significantly (P = 0.000). The combined intervention was more effective than exercises alone.

Conclusion: The combination of core stabilization exercises and vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced pain and improved functionality in chronic non-specific low back pain patients.

Abbreviations: CNSLBP: Chronic non-specific low back pain, CSE: core stabilization exercises, NCID: Normalizing, Comparison, Interpretation, and Discussion technique, ODI: Oswestry Disability Index, VAS: Visual Analog Scale  

Keywords: chronic low back pain; core stabilization exercises; vitamin D supplementation; pain reduction; functional improvement; Oswestry Disability Index; visual analog scale   

Citation: Mukhtar T, Hafeez M, Subhani FUR, Rehman H, Ishfaq MU.  Effects of 8-week core stabilization exercise with vitamin D supplement on pain and functional limitation in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2025;29(7):679-684. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v29i7.2946

Received: May 09, 2025; Revised: October 26, 2024; Accepted: January 01, 2025