Efficacy of Dead bug exercise along with standard physiotherapy treatment for the conservative management of chronic low back pain: A randomized control trial

Abstract

Background: Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition that significantly impacts the quality of life and functional ability of affected individuals. Objective: This randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the efficacy of incorporating the Dead Bug Exercise alongside standard physiotherapy for the conservative management of CLBP. Methodology: The study was conducted at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP), Savar, Dhaka and involved patients with non specific CLBP. A total of 60 participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the Experimental Group, which received the Dead Bug Exercise in addition to standard physiotherapy, and the Control Group, which received standard physiotherapy alone. Key outcome measures included pain intensity (measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)), disability level (measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)), and back muscle strength. Result: The results showed significant improvements in the Experimental Group, with substantial reductions in VAS and ODI scores, and enhanced back muscle power post-intervention. The Control Group also demonstrated improvements but to a lesser extent. Statistical analyses revealed that the Dead Bug Exercise, when combined with physiotherapy, provided superior outcomes in terms of pain relief, functional improvement, and muscle strength. These findings support the integration of core stabilization exercises into CLBP treatment protocols. In conclusion, the addition of the Dead Bug Exercise to conventional physiotherapy offers an effective strategy for managing Chronic Low Back Pain and improving patient outcomes. Further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are recommended to confirm the sustainability and generalizability of these results. Key Words: Dead-Bug Exercise, Chronic Low Back Pain, Oswestry Disability Scale, Back Muscle Strength Measurement Scale.