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Effectiveness of Modified Pilates versus Core Stabilization Exercise on Pain, Quality of Life and Lumbopelvic Flexibility in Cricket Bowlers with Low Back Pain: A Comparative Study
Corresponding Author(s) : P Bright Alwin Victor
International Journal of Allied Medical Sciences and Clinical Research,
Vol. 14 No. 4 (2026): 2026 Volume 14-Issue 4
Abstract
Background: Low back pain is common among cricket bowlers because bowling repeatedly exposes the lumbar spine to rotation, extension, lateral flexion and high mechanical loading. Modified Pilates and core stabilization exercise are used to improve trunk control, muscular endurance and lumbopelvic function. However, comparative evidence in cricket bowlers with low back pain is limited.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Modified Pilates exercises and Core Stabilization exercises on pain, quality of life and lumbopelvic flexibility in cricket bowlers with low back pain.
Methods: A pre-test and post-test experimental comparative study was conducted in 40 male cricket bowlers aged 18·25 years. Participants were randomly allocated into Group A (Core Stabilization Exercise, n=20) and Group B (Modified Pilates Exercise, n=20). Both groups received supervised exercise three times per week for 6 weeks, 45·60 minutes per session. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), disability/quality-of-life impact using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and lumbopelvic flexibility using the Sit-and-Reach Test. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: Both groups showed significant pre- to post-test improvement (p<0.001). Post-test VAS was 3.50 ± 0.512 in Group A and 2.25 ± 0.786 in Group B; ODI was 19.75 ± 3.07 and 14.15 ± 2.77, respectively; and Sit-and-Reach was 18.00 ± 2.07 cm and 23.00 ± 1.52 cm, respectively. Between-group differences favored Modified Pilates for all three outcomes (VAS: mean difference 1.25, 95% CI 0.825·1.675; ODI: 5.60, 95% CI 3.723·7.477; Sit-and-Reach: · 5.00, 95% CI · 6.166 to · 3.834).
Conclusion: Both interventions improved pain, disability/quality-of-life impact and lumbopelvic flexibility; however, Modified Pilates demonstrated greater post-test improvement than Core Stabilization exercise in this sample of cricket bowlers with low back pain.