1Associate Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Mallareddy Vishwavidyapeeth University, Hyderabad, 500055
2PHD SCHOLAR, Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth is located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. More specifically, its address is Paatap Nagar, Airport Road, Udaipur, PIN - 313 001
3Senior Specialist Physical Therapist, Mind Optimization & Health Advancement Network, 139, VOC Street, Thirukuralar Nagar Arumparthapuram Reddiyarpalayam Post Pondicherry 605010
4MPT Sports, MPT Sports Abhinav Bindra Sports Medicine and research institute Bhubaneswar Odisha 752101
5Assistant Professor, Apollo college of Physiotherapy, Anjora Durg, Chhattisgarh, Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Memorial Health Science & Ayush University of Chhattisgarh, Raipur, pin code 493661
6Associate Professor, Saraswati College of Physiotherapy, Chandigarh-ludhiana highway, NH-05, Gharuan, Mohali- 140413, Punjab, India.
7Professor, K R Mangalam University, Gurugram, Haryana 122103
8Senior Physical Therapist, Mind Optimization & Health Advancement Network, 139, VOC Street, Thirukuralar Nagar Arumparthapuram Reddiyarpalayam Post Pondicherry 605010
Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition associated with reduced core muscle endurance, impaired neuromuscular control, pain, and functional disability. Improving trunk muscle endurance is essential for restoring spinal stability and reducing recurrence. Sling-based neuromuscular training (SBNT) has emerged as an instability-based rehabilitation approach designed to enhance deep stabilizer activation and motor control.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of sling-based neuromuscular training on core muscle endurance, pain intensity, and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain.
Methods: Thirty participants with chronic low back pain (duration >3 months) were randomly allocated into two groups: Experimental group (n = 15) received sling-based neuromuscular training along with conventional therapy, while Control group (n = 15) received conventional therapy alone. The intervention was conducted for 4 weeks (3 sessions per week). Outcome measures included McGill's Torso Muscular Endurance Test Battery (trunk flexor, lateral, and extensor endurance tests), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Assessments were performed pre and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001). However, the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater gains in trunk flexor, lateral, and extensor endurance compared to the control group (p < 0.001). NPRS scores decreased from 6.7 ± 1.0 to 2.4 ± 0.9 in the experimental group, while the control group improved from 6.9 ± 1.2 to 4.8 ± 1.1. ODI scores improved by 20.9% in the experimental group compared to 8.2% in the control group. Between-group comparisons at 4 weeks favored the experimental group across all outcome measures.
Conclusion: Sling-based neuromuscular training is more effective than conventional therapy in improving core muscle endurance and reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain. It can be recommended as an effective adjunct in rehabilitation programs targeting spinal stability.
Keywords: Chronic low back pain, Sling exercise therapy, Core muscle endurance, Neuromuscular training, Spinal stability, Rehabilitation.
How to cite this article: Edulakanti VL, Reddy PB, Nallathambi M, Mishra DK, Kumar KS, Gupta A, Kalra S, Mou I, “Influence Of Sling-Based Neuromuscular Training On Core Muscle Endurance In Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain”..Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16 (13s): 55-61; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.13s.6
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None