Role of Back Extension Exercises in Reducing Pain and Disability Among Occupational Motorcycle Drivers With Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is highly prevalent among occupational motorcycle drivers due to prolonged sitting, vibration exposure, and sustained flexed postures. Targeted rehabilitation strategies that address biomechanical deficits are essential to reducing pain and disability in this high-risk population. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of back extension exercises compared with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), both combined with moist heat, in reducing pain intensity and functional disability among occupational motorcycle drivers with CLBP. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 80 male motorcycle drivers aged 20–45 years with CLBP were allocated to either a back extension exercise program or TENS for three weeks. Pain and disability were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBDS), and Oswestry Back Disability Index (OBDI). Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement across all outcomes. VAS scores decreased from 6.8 to 2.36 (p<0.001), QBDS from 6.52–6.80 to 3.56–2.36 (p<0.001), and OBDI from 6.8 to 2.36 (p<0.001). Improvements exceeded minimal clinically important thresholds. Conclusion: Back extension exercises and TENS, when combined with moist heat, produce clinically meaningful reductions in pain and disability in occupational motorcycle drivers with CLBP. Structured extension-based programs represent a valuable rehabilitation strategy for this population.