Effects of core stability exercise combined with virtual reality in collegiate athletes with nonspecific low back pain: a randomized clinical trial

Background Nonspecific low back pain (LBP) in collegiate athletes is shown to be accompanied by poor core endurance. Consequently, trunk muscle stabilization exercises for lumbar instability are widely used. Virtual reality (VR) training can activate the cerebral cortex and enhance the cortex to control balance and improve motion function. The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of combined core stability exercises (CSE) and VR training in improving body balance and function in collegiate male athletes with nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Results The post-values of the experimental group were significantly higher than that of the control group for the dynamic balance in anterior ( p = 0.031), posterolateral ( p = 0.034), and posteromedial ( p = 0.037) directions. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the post-values of both groups regarding reducing the Micheli Functional Scale in favor of the experimental group ( p = 0.012). Conclusions CSE training plus virtual reality is more effective than CSE training alone in improving total body balance and dysfunction level in collegiate male athletes with nonspecific LBP. It is recommended that clinicians consider CSE combined with VR to maximize the improvement in overall body balance when developing rehabilitation programs for collegiate athletes with nonspecific low back pain. Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trial Registry, PACTR201907749053096 . Retrospectively registered on 15 April 2019. https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/Researcher/ManageTrials.aspx