Copyright (c) 2026 Joel George, Thrisha D, Nima Susan John, Jeyakumar S
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Comparative Evidence on Core Stabilization versus General Strengthening Exercises in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Structured Review
Corresponding Author(s) : Joel George
International Journal of Allied Medical Sciences and Clinical Research,
Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026): 2026 Volume -14 - Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders worldwide and is associated with pain, disability, reduced functional capacity, and decreased quality of life. Exercise-based rehabilitation remains a primary conservative intervention for chronic non-specific low back pain. Among commonly prescribed approaches, core stabilization exercises emphasize neuromuscular control and lumbopelvic stability, whereas general strengthening exercises focus on improving the strength and endurance of global trunk musculature.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of core stabilization exercises and general strengthening exercises in individuals with chronic low back pain.
Methods: A structured comparative review was conducted using literature identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2008 and 2024 were screened. Twenty relevant studies were included, comprising randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, epidemiological evidence, and clinical practice guidelines. Outcomes analyzed included pain intensity, disability, functional performance, proprioception, balance, lumbopelvic stability, muscle thickness, and long-term clinical effectiveness.
Results: Both approaches demonstrated improvements in pain and disability outcomes. Several studies reported greater short-term improvements with core stabilization exercises, particularly in pain reduction, functional performance, proprioception, and lumbopelvic stability, whereas long-term outcomes were often comparable between groups.
Conclusion: Core stabilization exercises appear to offer additional early benefits, particularly in neuromuscular control and symptom reduction. Nevertheless, conventional strengthening remains clinically effective, and long-term improvements are often comparable across both approaches.