Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization on Pain, Posture, and Quality of Life in Chronic Low Back Pain

April 28, 2026 updated by: MERVE BAŞARDI, Uskudar University

A Study on the Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Posture, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

This study aims to evaluate the effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises on individuals experiencing chronic non-specific low back pain for at least six months. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) marked on a 10-centimeter line. The impact of low back pain on daily activities will be evaluated through the Oswestry Disability Index, while its influence on quality of life will be determined using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Postural changes related to low back pain will be assessed using the New York Posture Scale. Lumbar range of motion will be measured using a goniometer.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

This study investigates the effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises on pain, posture, functional disability, quality of life, and lumbar range of motion in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. Participants with low back pain persisting for at least six months will be included in the study. The primary objective is to assess the impact of DNS exercises on pain intensity, functional disability, quality of life, posture, and lumbar range of motion.

Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on a 10-centimeter line. Functional disability related to low back pain will be evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index. Quality of life will be measured using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Postural changes will be assessed using the New York Posture Scale.

Lumbar range of motion (flexion, extension, and right and left lateral flexion) will be measured using a goniometer.

The intervention will involve a structured exercise program based on DNS principles, focusing on improving motor control, spinal stability, and neuromuscular coordination. Participants will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

20

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Turkey (Türkiye)
      • Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
        • Uskudar University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Application and Research Center

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Aged between 18 and 50 years
  • Experiencing continuous or intermittent low back pain for more than 3 months, localized between the L1 region and gluteal muscles

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Specific medical diagnoses such as spinal fractures or spinal stenosis
  • Presence of rheumatological disorders
  • Tumors
  • History of lumbar surgery in the last 3 years
  • Neurological problems
  • Osteoporosis
  • History of epilepsy, vertigo, headaches, or nausea
  • Chronic lung diseases
  • Prior physiotherapy treatment for low back pain
  • Acute low back pain episodes
  • Mental disorders
  • Pregnancy

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: DNS Group
Participants diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain will undergo a structured dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercise program. The intervention will be conducted twice a week, with each session lasting 45 minutes, over a period of 8 weeks. The program will focus on improving motor control, spinal stability, and neuromuscular coordination through DNS principles.
Other: DNS Group
Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises, on the other hand, are designed to achieve sagittal stabilization by utilizing the stabilizing function of the thoracic diaphragm muscle.
Other Names:
  • Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization
Experimental: Control Group
Participants in this group will receive conventional physiotherapy, including basic exercises such as stretching, strengthening, and posture training. The intervention will be conducted twice a week, with each session lasting 45 minutes, over a period of 8 weeks.
Other: Control Group
Conventional physiotherapy program including stretching, strengthening, and posture exercises applied under physiotherapist supervision.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time Frame: 8 weeks
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to measure pain intensity by having participants mark their perceived level of pain on a 10-centimeter line ranging from 'no pain' to 'worst pain imaginable. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain ranges from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 10, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.
8 weeks
New York Posture Analysis
Time Frame: 8 weeks
The New York Posture Analysis is a validated and systematic tool used to evaluate postural alignment and deviations. This method involves visual inspection and scoring of key postural elements, including head, shoulders, spine, pelvis, and lower extremities, in both anterior-posterior and lateral views. Each segment is assessed for alignment and assigned a score based on observed deviations. The total score reflects the overall postural status, with higher scores indicating better postural alignment. This measure will be used to assess changes in posture pre- and post-intervention. The New York Posture Rating Scale scores range from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 36, with higher scores indicating better posture.
8 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Time Frame: 8 weeks
he Oswestry Disability Index is a self-reported questionnaire designed to assess how low back pain affects an individual's ability to perform daily activities. The index consists of 10 sections, each addressing a specific domain: pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, sexual life, traveling, and social life. Each section includes six response options scored from 0 (no disability) to 5 (maximum disability). The total score ranges from 0 to 50 points, with higher scores indicating greater levels of disability.
8 weeks
Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey
Time Frame: 8 weeks
The Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey is a widely used self-reported questionnaire designed to assess health-related quality of life across eight domains: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, role limitations due to emotional health, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, pain, and general health perceptions. Each domain is scored on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health and quality of life.
8 weeks
Chest Circumference Measurement
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Chest circumference measurement is a simple and reliable method used to assess respiratory patterns and chest expansion. Measurements will be taken at three levels: axillary (upper thoracic), xiphoid (middle thoracic), and subcostal (lower thoracic) regions using a measuring tape. The difference between maximum inspiration and maximum expiration at each level will be recorded to determine the chest expansion.
8 weeks
Lumbar Range of Motion
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Lumbar flexion, extension, and right and left lateral flexion will be assessed using a goniometer.
8 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Uskudar University

Investigators

  • Study Director: Filiz Eyuboglu, PhD., Uskudar University
  • Principal Investigator: Mert Ilhan, MSc., Uskudar University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

December 3, 2025

Primary Completion (Actual)

February 1, 2026

Study Completion (Actual)

March 25, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

January 29, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

January 29, 2025

First Posted (Actual)

February 4, 2025

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

May 5, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 28, 2026

Last Verified

April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 2025-PT-MRVB-RCT

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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