Effects of Clamshell Versus Gluteal Bridge Exercises on Low Back Pain, Gluteal Strength, and Disability Due to Prolonged Sitting in Females with Gluteal Amnesia

Abstract

Background: Gluteal amnesia, characterized by impaired neuromuscular activation of the gluteal muscles, is a growing concern among sedentary females and contributes significantly to low back pain and disability. Objective: To compare the effects of clamshell and gluteal bridge exercises on low back pain, gluteal strength, and disability due to prolonged sitting in females with gluteal amnesia. Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 38 females (n = 38), aged 20–50 years, diagnosed with gluteal amnesia and meeting predefined inclusion criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to either clamshell or gluteal bridge exercise groups, both receiving baseline treatment over six weeks (18 sessions). Pain and disability were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 with non-parametric tests following normality assessment. Ethical approval was obtained from the Riphah Ethical Review Board (Ref. No. REC/RCR & AHS/23/048823) in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: Both groups showed significant within-group reductions in NPRS and ODI scores (p < 0.001). The gluteal bridge group demonstrated greater post-treatment improvement in ODI (median: 9.00 vs. 12.00, p = 0.003), indicating superior functional recovery. Conclusion: Both clamshell and gluteal bridge exercises are effective in reducing pain and disability in females with gluteal amnesia; however, gluteal bridge exercises yield greater improvements in functional outcomes, underscoring their clinical utility in rehabilitation settings.