Comparison of V-Sitting Posture Stabilization and Modified Clamshell Exercises on Pain and Disability in Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a leading global cause of disability, often managed through exercise-based rehabilitation; however, limited comparative evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of core versus hip-focused interventions. Objective: To compare the effects of V-Sitting Posture Stabilization and Modified Clamshell Exercises on pain intensity and functional disability in individuals with NSCLBP. Methods: This single-blinded randomized controlled trial included 30 participants (n = 26 analyzed) aged 20–50 years with NSCLBP for over three months. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either V-Sitting Posture Stabilization or Modified Clamshell Exercises for six weeks. Standard stretching and physiotherapy modalities were applied across both groups. Pain was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and functional disability was evaluated using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Ethical approval was obtained from the Riphah International University Institutional Review Board (REC/RCR & AHS/22/0104) in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v25; paired and independent t-tests were used with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in NPRS (Group A: 6.47, Group B: 4.87; p = 0.00) and RMDQ (Group A: 16.67, Group B: 12.87; p = 0.00). The V-Sitting group demonstrated superior post-intervention RMDQ scores (p = 0.025), with a clinically meaningful 3.8-point difference, and a favorable NPRS trend (p = 0.069). Conclusion: V-Sitting Postural Stabilization was more effective than Modified Clamshell Exercises in improving disability and showed clinically significant advantages in pain reduction, suggesting its potential as a preferred intervention for NSCLBP in clinical settings.