Low Back PainNCT07190898
The Role of Core and Functional Exercises in Low Back and Neck Pain
A study testing core exercises, functional strength exercises and education group in people with Low Back Pain and Neck Pain, run by Batman University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Low back and neck pain are common health problems that can negatively affect daily life activities in healthy women. A significant proportion of adults worldwide experience low back or neck pain at some point in their lives, leading to loss of physical function, reduced work capacity, and decreased quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 40 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Core Exercises Training
- What is being tested?
- core exercises, functional strength exercises and education group
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 45 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Sep 2025to 30 Nov 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 40 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Absence of any chronic musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiovascular disorders,
- Not engaging in regular exercise or performing physical activity less than twice a week,
- Presence of low back or neck pain not attributable to pathology during daily activities,
- No history of major orthopedic surgery within the last six months.
Who cannot join
- Individuals with severe orthopedic, neurological, or cardiovascular diseases,
- Those who have undergone surgical interventions involving the lumbar or cervical regions within the past six months,
- Individuals who regularly participate in physiotherapy or structured exercise programs.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)2 sites
Batman University
Batman, Batman, 72000
merve yiğit kocamer, 05530856040, merve.yigitkocamer@batman.edu.tr
Batman Center
Batman, Gültepe, 72000
merve yiğit kocamer, Phd, 05530856040, merve.yigitkocamer@batman.edu.tr
About this study
Official title: The Effectiveness of Core and Functional Strength Exercises in Preventing Low Back and Neck Pain in Healthy Women
Low back and neck pain are common health problems that can negatively affect daily life activities in healthy women. A significant proportion of adults worldwide experience low back or neck pain at some point in their lives, leading to loss of physical function, reduced work capacity, and decreased quality of life. Women who work at desk-based jobs are particularly prone to such pain due to prolonged sitting, computer use, and non-ergonomic postures. Poor posture habits, weak core muscles, and low postural awareness are among the main causes of low back and neck pain. Strengthening the core muscles, enhancing spinal and pelvic stability, improving muscular endurance, and increasing postural awareness are effective methods to reduce the risk of low back and neck pain. Functional strength exercises support safe and effective movement in daily life activities by improving muscle strength, endurance, and coordination. These exercises are important not only for treating existing pain but also as part of preventive health strategies. Preventive exercise programs can reduce the risk of pain and functional loss in healthy individuals, thereby improving long-term quality of life. Although various exercise approaches have been examined in the literature for the prevention of low back and neck pain, studies comparing core and postural stabilization exercises with functional strength exercises in healthy women are limited. This gap does not provide physiotherapists and health professionals with clear evidence on which exercise approach is more effective. This study aims to compare the effects of core and postural stabilization exercises versus functional strength exercises on the risk of low back and neck pain during daily activities in healthy women. The findings of this study are expected to guide the design and implementation of preventive exercise programs for healthy women.
Read the detailed description
The aim of this study is to compare the effects of core and postural stabilization exercises and functional strength exercises onthe risk of low back and neck pain during daily activities in healthy women. The study was designed as a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Healthy women aged 20-40 years were included in the study.A total of 45 participants, with 15 in each group, took part in the study. Randomization was performed using a computer-generated randomization list. Individuals who agreed to participate were first evaluated for eligibility according to the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible participants were then randomly assigned to one of three groups with an equal allocation ratio (1:1:1).One day after the initial assessment, participants received an educational session on lifestyle modifications related to healthy living and women's health. The Core and Postural Stabilization Exercise Group and the Functional Strength Exercise Group performed a total of 18 exercise sessions, three times per week over six weeks. The Education Group, on the other hand, was directed to either the Core and Postural Stabilization or the Functional Strength program according to their preference after the completion of the study.Participants will be evaluated twice: at the beginning of the study and at the end of the 6-week treatment.
- Being tested
- core exercises, functional strength exercises, education group
- Keywords
- low back pain, neck pain, core exercises training, functional exercise training, healthy women, daily activity
- Medical subject headings
- Low Back Pain, Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
core exercisesOther
The participants performed core exercises three times per week for a total of six weeks
functional strength exercisesOther
The participants performed functional strength exercises three times per week for a total of six weeks.
education groupOther
During the educational session, participants were provided with information on proper posture, ergonomic movements, the importance of posture in daily life, and pain management.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| core exercises group | Active comparator | The participants performed a total of 18 exercise sessions, three times per week over six weeks. All sessions were supervised by a specialist physiotherapist and lasted approximately 45 minutes. Each session consisted of three parts: warm-up, main exercises, and cool-down. The warm-up included low-intensity mobilization and stretching movements. The main part involved plank, side plank, bridge, quadruped balance, and posture-focused exercises. Each exercise was individualized in terms of repetitions and duration according to the participant's capacity. The program was updated every two weeks by adding a new type of exercise. In the cool-down phase, stretching, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises were performed. Receives: Other: core exercises |
| functional strenght exercises | Active comparator | The participants performed a total of 18 exercise sessions, three times per week over six weeks. All sessions were supervised by a specialist physiotherapist and lasted approximately 45 minutes. Each session consisted of three parts: warm-up, main exercises, and cool-down. The warm-up included joint mobilization and low-intensity aerobic movements. The main part involved functional movements such as sit-to-stand, lunge, squat, step-up, and balance-focused exercises. The difficulty level of the exercises was adjusted according to the participant's capacity, and new exercises were added to the program every two weeks. In the cool-down phase, stretching, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises were performed. Receives: Other: functional strength exercises |
| education group | Active comparator | On the first day of the study, participants received an educational session on lifestyle modifications related to healthy living and women's health. During the session, information was provided on proper posture, ergonomic movements, the importance of posture in daily life, and pain management. After the completion of the study, the Education Group was directed to either the Core and Postural Stabilization Exercise Program or the Functional Strength Exercise Program, according to their preference. Receives: Other: education group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ)
An internationally recognized questionnaire used to assess musculoskeletal symptoms. It specifically asks about pain, discomfort, and limited movement in areas such as the back, neck, and shoulders. The questionnaire divides the body into nine anatomical regions and asks whether pain, discomfort, or limited movement has been experienced in the last 12 months and the last 7 days. A higher score indicates greater prevalence and frequency of pain.
Measured: 6 week
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
This is a simple and reliable self-report scale used to measure pain intensity. The participant is usually shown a 10 cm long line; one end of the line represents "no pain" (0), and the other end represents "unbearable pain" (10). The participant marks a point on the line according to the intensity of pain they are currently experiencing. Pain intensity is numerically determined by measuring the position of the mark on the line.
Measured: 6 week
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
This 10-section scale covers topics such as pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, social life, travel, and sexual life. Each section is scored from 0 to 5. A higher total score indicates a greater degree of functional disability due to low back pain. Results from the scale are expressed as percentages, with 0-20% representing minimal disability, 21-40% representing moderate disability, 41-60% representing severe disability, 61-80% representing severe disability, and 81-100% representing complete dependency.
Measured: 6 week
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
This is a valid and reliable scale widely used in clinical and research settings that measures the impact of neck pain on individuals' activities of daily living. This 10-section scale covers topics such as pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headache, concentration, working, driving, sleep, and recreational activities. Each section is scored from 0 to 5. As the total score increases, the functional disability associated with neck pain increases. The resulting score is expressed as a percentage, with 0-20% representing minimal disability, 21-40% representing moderate disability, 41-60% representing severe disability, 61-80% representing severe disability, and 81-100% representing complete dependency.
Measured: 6 week
Secondary outcomes (3)
Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
The FMS is a valid and reliable assessment tool that examines an individual's basic movement patterns and is used to determine movement quality and potential injury risk. It consists of seven different tests: deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability. Each movement is scored from 0 to 3, with a total score ranging from 0 to 21. Lower scores indicate functional movement limitations and a higher risk of injury, while higher scores indicate better movement quality and postural control.
Measured: 6 week
Plank and Side Plank Tests
The plank test measures how long an individual can maintain a correct plank position on their forearms and toes, and this time is recorded in seconds. The side plank test measures the time an individual can maintain a side plank position to assess the lateral core muscles. Both tests provide information about the isometric endurance of the core muscles. The longer the duration, the better the core endurance.
Measured: 6 week
Sit-to-Stand Test
In this test, the individual is asked to sit down and stand up from a chair as many times as possible within a specific time period (e.g., 30 seconds), or the time taken to complete five repetitions of the sit-to-stand movement is recorded. The resulting value provides information about lower extremity strength, functional independence, and mobility. A shorter time or a greater number of repetitions indicates better lower extremity strength and functional capacity.
Measured: 6 week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Sep 2025
- Study start15 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion15 Nov 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Nov 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Low Back PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- 1. Core exercises group 2. Functional strength exercises group 3. Education Group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 45 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Batman University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, merve yiğit kocamer, Batman University
- Investigators
- merve yiğit kocamer, lecturer, Principal investigator, Batman University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07190898
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BAU-FTR-MYK-02
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 17 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 24 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effectiveness of Core and Functional Strength Exercises in Preventing Low Back and Neck Pain in Healthy Women
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07190898
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BAU-FTR-MYK-02
- Keywords
- low back pain, neck pain, core exercises training, functional exercise training, healthy women, daily activity
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 45 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Batman UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 15 Nov 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Nov 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 24 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Low back and neck pain are common health problems that can negatively affect daily life activities in healthy women. A significant proportion of adults worldwide experience low back or neck pain at some point in their lives, leading to loss of physical function, reduced work capacity, and decreased quality of life. Women who work at desk-based jobs are particularly prone to such pain due to prolonged sitting, computer use, and non-ergonomic postures. Poor posture habits, weak core muscles, and low postural awareness are among the main causes of low back and neck pain. Strengthening the core muscles, enhancing spinal and pelvic stability, improving muscular endurance, and increasing postural awareness are effective methods to reduce the risk of low back and neck pain. Functional strength exercises support safe and effective movement in daily life activities by improving muscle strength, endurance, and coordination. These exercises are important not only for treating existing pain but also as part of preventive health strategies. Preventive exercise programs can reduce the risk of pain and functional loss in healthy individuals, thereby improving long-term quality of life. Although various exercise approaches have been examined in the literature for the prevention of low back and neck pain, studies comparing core and postural stabilization exercises with functional strength exercises in healthy women are limited. This gap does not provide physiotherapists and health professionals with clear evidence on which exercise approach is more effective. This study aims to compare the effects of core and postural stabilization exercises versus functional strength exercises on the risk of low back and neck pain during daily activities in healthy women. The findings of this study are expected to guide the design and implementation of preventive exercise programs for healthy women.
Detailed description
The aim of this study is to compare the effects of core and postural stabilization exercises and functional strength exercises onthe risk of low back and neck pain during daily activities in healthy women. The study was designed as a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Healthy women aged 20-40 years were included in the study.A total of 45 participants, with 15 in each group, took part in the study. Randomization was performed using a computer-generated randomization list. Individuals who agreed to participate were first evaluated for eligibility according to the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible participants were then randomly assigned to one of three groups with an equal allocation ratio (1:1:1).One day after the initial assessment, participants received an educational session on lifestyle modifications related to healthy living and women's health. The Core and Postural Stabilization Exercise Group and the Functional Strength Exercise Group performed a total of 18 exercise sessions, three times per week over six weeks. The Education Group, on the other hand, was directed to either the Core and Postural Stabilization or the Functional Strength program according to their preference after the completion of the study.Participants will be evaluated twice: at the beginning of the study and at the end of the 6-week treatment.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- 1. Core exercises group 2. Functional strength exercises group 3. Education Group
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| core exercises group | Active comparator | Other: core exercisesThe participants performed a total of 18 exercise sessions, three times per week over six weeks. All sessions were supervised by a specialist physiotherapist and lasted approximately 45 minutes. Each session consisted of three parts: warm-up, main exercises, and cool-down. The warm-up included low-intensity mobilization and stretching movements. The main part involved plank, side plank, bridge, quadruped balance, and posture-focused exercises. Each exercise was individualized in terms of repetitions and duration according to the participant's capacity. The program was updated every two weeks by adding a new type of exercise. In the cool-down phase, stretching, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises were performed. |
| functional strenght exercises | Active comparator | Other: functional strength exercisesThe participants performed a total of 18 exercise sessions, three times per week over six weeks. All sessions were supervised by a specialist physiotherapist and lasted approximately 45 minutes. Each session consisted of three parts: warm-up, main exercises, and cool-down. The warm-up included joint mobilization and low-intensity aerobic movements. The main part involved functional movements such as sit-to-stand, lunge, squat, step-up, and balance-focused exercises. The difficulty level of the exercises was adjusted according to the participant's capacity, and new exercises were added to the program every two weeks. In the cool-down phase, stretching, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises were performed. |
| education group | Active comparator | Other: education groupOn the first day of the study, participants received an educational session on lifestyle modifications related to healthy living and women's health. During the session, information was provided on proper posture, ergonomic movements, the importance of posture in daily life, and pain management. After the completion of the study, the Education Group was directed to either the Core and Postural Stabilization Exercise Program or the Functional Strength Exercise Program, according to their preference. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 40 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Absence of any chronic musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiovascular disorders,
- Not engaging in regular exercise or performing physical activity less than twice a week,
- Presence of low back or neck pain not attributable to pathology during daily activities,
- No history of major orthopedic surgery within the last six months.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Individuals with severe orthopedic, neurological, or cardiovascular diseases,
- Those who have undergone surgical interventions involving the lumbar or cervical regions within the past six months,
- Individuals who regularly participate in physiotherapy or structured exercise programs.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| core exercisesThe participants performed core exercises three times per week for a total of six weeks | Other | core exercises group |
| functional strength exercisesThe participants performed functional strength exercises three times per week for a total of six weeks. | Other | functional strenght exercises |
| education groupDuring the educational session, participants were provided with information on proper posture, ergonomic movements, the importance of posture in daily life, and pain management. | Other | education group |
Primary outcome
Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ)
Time frame: 6 week
An internationally recognized questionnaire used to assess musculoskeletal symptoms. It specifically asks about pain, discomfort, and limited movement in areas such as the back, neck, and shoulders. The questionnaire divides the body into nine anatomical regions and asks whether pain, discomfort, or limited movement has been experienced in the last 12 months and the last 7 days. A higher score indicates greater prevalence and frequency of pain.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: 6 week
This is a simple and reliable self-report scale used to measure pain intensity. The participant is usually shown a 10 cm long line; one end of the line represents "no pain" (0), and the other end represents "unbearable pain" (10). The participant marks a point on the line according to the intensity of pain they are currently experiencing. Pain intensity is numerically determined by measuring the position of the mark on the line.
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Time frame: 6 week
This 10-section scale covers topics such as pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, social life, travel, and sexual life. Each section is scored from 0 to 5. A higher total score indicates a greater degree of functional disability due to low back pain. Results from the scale are expressed as percentages, with 0-20% representing minimal disability, 21-40% representing moderate disability, 41-60% representing severe disability, 61-80% representing severe disability, and 81-100% representing complete dependency.
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time frame: 6 week
This is a valid and reliable scale widely used in clinical and research settings that measures the impact of neck pain on individuals' activities of daily living. This 10-section scale covers topics such as pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headache, concentration, working, driving, sleep, and recreational activities. Each section is scored from 0 to 5. As the total score increases, the functional disability associated with neck pain increases. The resulting score is expressed as a percentage, with 0-20% representing minimal disability, 21-40% representing moderate disability, 41-60% representing severe disability, 61-80% representing severe disability, and 81-100% representing complete dependency.
3 secondary outcomes
Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
Time frame: 6 week
Plank and Side Plank Tests
Time frame: 6 week
Sit-to-Stand Test
Time frame: 6 week
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Sep 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
merve yiğit kocamer, lecturer principal investigator
Batman University
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing core exercises, functional strength exercises and education group in people with Low Back Pain and Neck Pain, run by Batman University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact merve yiğit kocamer, Phd (+905530856040, merve.yigitkocamer@batman.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) (time frame: 6 week). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Sep 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 1 Nov 2026.