Non Specfic Chronic Low Back PainMGCS VS SCCPNCT07775131
Mcgill Core Stabilization Exercises VS Sahrmann Core Control Protocol on Pain and Functional Disability in Patients With NSCLBP
A study testing McGill core stabilization group in people with Non Specfic Chronic Low Back Pain, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with persistent pain, functional disability, reduced physical activity and impaired quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Non Specfic Chronic Low Back Pain
- What is being tested?
- McGill core stabilization group
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 44 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 24 Apr 2026to 7 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 18 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosed with NSCLBP for more than 12 weeks
- Pain intensity ≥ 3/10 (NPRS).
- ODI score ≥ 20%
- Not receiving any physiotherapy in the last 4 weeks
- Able to perform exercise and attend follow-up sessions
Who cannot join
- Radiculopathy or neurological deficits
- History of spinal surgery
- Red flags (cancer, fracture, infection)
- Pregnancy
- Cardiopulmonary disease limiting exercise
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences , The University of Faisalabad
Faisalābad, Punjab Province, 38000
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Mcgill Core Stabilization Exercises and Sahrmann Core Control Protocol on Pain and Functional Disability in Patients With Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain
Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with persistent pain, functional disability, reduced physical activity and impaired quality of life. The thesis explains that impaired core stability, poor neuromuscular control, muscle imbalance and faulty movement patterns can contribute to persistent low back pain. Exercise-based rehabilitation is therefore an important component of conservative management.
The study was designed as a randomized clinical trial conducted in an orthopedic and physiotherapy clinic. The study population consisted of males and females with NSCLBP. Participants were divided into two treatment groups: Group A received McGill Core Stabilization Exercises, consisting of modified curl-up, side plank and bird-dog exercises, while Group B received the Sahrmann Core Control Protocol, consisting of progressive core-control exercises from Level 1 to Level 5.
The primary outcome measures were the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain intensity and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability. Assessments were performed before and after the rehabilitation intervention.this study aims advantage to its individualized, movement-specific approach and emphasis on correcting faulty movement patterns and improving neuromuscular control.
- Conditions
- Non Specfic Chronic Low Back Pain
- Being tested
- McGill core stabilization group, Sahrmann Core Control group
- Keywords
- McGill core stabilization exercises, Sahrmann core control, Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
McGill core stabilization groupOther
To conduct mcgill core stability exercises, three exercise of mcgill (curl-up, side plank, bird dog) done in order to must maintain a neutral spine while using controlled, painless motions to engage the deep stabilizing muscles.
To perform a curl-up, lie on back with one knee bent, position hands under lower back, softly brace midsection, and lift just head and shoulder blades for a short hold without bending your spine.To perform the side plank, lie on side with elbow underneath shoulder, brace core and lift your hips into a straight line from head to toe. You must keep up this position without permitting trunk to droop. the bird dog, which requires kneeling on hands and knees, bracing the core and carefully extending one arm and opposite leg while maintaining a stable trunk and level back for a brief hold before switching to the other side. Exercises done with slowly, focus on stability rather than range of motion or exercises done 10 reputation with 10 second hold
Sahrmann Core Control groupOther
The exercises are performed in stages, from simple movements to more complicated ones, including leg lifts, single-leg extensions and double-leg lowers. The main point, at all levels, is maintaining the pelvis. One commonality through all levels is maintaining a neutral lower back no arching, no tilting, no rib flaring. This progression of movement is used to help the core learn how to stabilize the spine during functional tasks to enhance lumbopelvic stability, motor control, and promote proper movement patterns while reducing low back pain. The exercise lasted for ten seconds in the final position of the level. Each of the five levels was separated by a 1 minute break interval
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| McGill core stabilization group | Experimental | mcgill core stability exercises has three exercise of mcgill (curl-up, side plank, bird dog) done in order to must maintain a neutral spine while using controlled, painless motions to engage the deep stabilizing muscles. Receives: Other: McGill core stabilization group |
| Sahrmann core control Protocol Group | Active comparator | Participants perform 5 different levels of sahrmann core control protocol patient exercises, including heel slide, single leg lift, alternate leg lift, alternate leg extension during e session and double leg lowering which are a progressive series of core stability exercises. Receives: Other: Sahrmann Core Control group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
For pain intensity numeric rating pain scale will be used The NPRS asks the patient to rate their pain on a 0-10 scale, where 0 = No pain 1-3 = Mild pain 4-6 = Moderate pain 7-10 = Severe pain Patients choose a number that best describes their present pain, average pain, or worst pain
Measured: baseline week 0 and 6-week
OSWESTRY DISABILITY INDEX
Osvestry disability index scale use for NSLBP. The ODI contains 10 sections, each assessing a different functional area, degree of pain, Personal care (washing/dressing), Lifting, Walking, Sitting, Standing, Sleeping, Social life, Traveling
Each section is scored 0-5, where:
0 = No disability 5 = Maximum disability The patient selects one statement per section that best describes their condition
Measured: baseline week 0 and week6
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Aug 2026
- Study start24 Apr 2026
- Primary completion7 Jul 2026
- Study completion7 Aug 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Non Specfic Chronic 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
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Faisalabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07775131
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024-MS-PT-019
- Acronym
- MGCS VS SCCP
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 15 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 20 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Akodu A, Tella B and Olujobi O (2015) Effect of stabilization exercise on pain and quality of life of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. African Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences 7(1): 7-11. Alqhtani RS, Ahmed H, Ghulam et al.(2024) Efficacy of core-strengthening and intensive dynamic back exercises on pain core muscle endurance and functional disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain A randomized comparative study. Journal of Clinical Medicine 13(2): 475-489 Ammar TA (2019) McGill exercises versus conventional exercises in chronic low back pain. Life Science Journal 9(5): 393-397. Baghani P, Naserpour N and Piri H (2023) Supervised group exercise therapy versus home based exercise therapy: the effect of mcgill exercises on pain, disability and trunk stability in middle-aged women with non-specific chronic low back pain. Physical Treatments-Specific Physical Therapy Journal 13(2): 127-134. Chakraborty J, Kumar P and Sarkar B (2019) Comparative study of motor control exercises and global core stabilization exercises on pain, rom and function in subjects with chronic nonspecific low back pain a randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research 9(8): 116-123. Chan E, Nadzalan A, Othman Z et al. (2020) The short-term effects of progressive vs conventional core stability exercise in rehabilitation of nonspecific chronic low back pain. Sains Malays 49(10): 2527-37. Chiarotto A and Koes BW (2022) Nonspecific low back pain. New England Journal of Medicine 38(6): 1732-1740. Childs JD, Piva SR and Fritz JM (2020) Responsiveness of the numeric pain rating scale in patients with low back pain. Spine Rehab Journal 30(11): 1331-1334. Eroglu S and Karatas G (2021) The effect of low back pain on quality of life and anxiety levels in women. Akdeniz Tıp Dergisi 7(1): 212-219. Fatoye F, Gebrye T and Odeyemi I (2019) Real-world incidence and prevalence of low back pain using routinely collected data
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Mcgill Core Stabilization Exercises and Sahrmann Core Control Protocol on Pain and Functional Disability in Patients With Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07775131
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MGCS VS SCCP / 2024-MS-PT-019
- Conditions
- Non Specfic Chronic Low Back Pain
- Keywords
- McGill core stabilization exercises, Sahrmann core control, Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FaisalabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 24 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 7 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 7 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Aug 2026 (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.
Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with persistent pain, functional disability, reduced physical activity and impaired quality of life. The thesis explains that impaired core stability, poor neuromuscular control, muscle imbalance and faulty movement patterns can contribute to persistent low back pain. Exercise-based rehabilitation is therefore an important component of conservative management.
The study was designed as a randomized clinical trial conducted in an orthopedic and physiotherapy clinic. The study population consisted of males and females with NSCLBP. Participants were divided into two treatment groups: Group A received McGill Core Stabilization Exercises, consisting of modified curl-up, side plank and bird-dog exercises, while Group B received the Sahrmann Core Control Protocol, consisting of progressive core-control exercises from Level 1 to Level 5.
The primary outcome measures were the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain intensity and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability. Assessments were performed before and after the rehabilitation intervention.this study aims advantage to its individualized, movement-specific approach and emphasis on correcting faulty movement patterns and improving neuromuscular control.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| McGill core stabilization group | Experimental | Other: McGill core stabilization groupmcgill core stability exercises has three exercise of mcgill (curl-up, side plank, bird dog) done in order to must maintain a neutral spine while using controlled, painless motions to engage the deep stabilizing muscles. |
| Sahrmann core control Protocol Group | Active comparator | Other: Sahrmann Core Control groupParticipants perform 5 different levels of sahrmann core control protocol patient exercises, including heel slide, single leg lift, alternate leg lift, alternate leg extension during e session and double leg lowering which are a progressive series of core stability exercises. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Diagnosed with NSCLBP for more than 12 weeks
- Pain intensity ≥ 3/10 (NPRS).
- ODI score ≥ 20%
- Not receiving any physiotherapy in the last 4 weeks
- Able to perform exercise and attend follow-up sessions
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Radiculopathy or neurological deficits
- History of spinal surgery
- Red flags (cancer, fracture, infection)
- Pregnancy
- Cardiopulmonary disease limiting exercise
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 |
|---|---|---|
| McGill core stabilization groupTo conduct mcgill core stability exercises, three exercise of mcgill (curl-up, side plank, bird dog) done in order to must maintain a neutral spine while using controlled, painless motions to engage the deep stabilizing muscles. To perform a curl-up, lie on back with one knee bent, position hands under lower back, softly brace midsection, and lift just head and shoulder blades for a short hold without bending your spine.To perform the side plank, lie on side with elbow underneath shoulder, brace core and lift your hips into a straight line from head to toe. You must keep up this position without permitting trunk to droop. the bird dog, which requires kneeling on hands and knees, bracing the core and carefully extending one arm and opposite leg while maintaining a stable trunk and level back for a brief hold before switching to the other side. Exercises done with slowly, focus on stability rather than range of motion or exercises done 10 reputation with 10 second hold | Other | McGill core stabilization group |
| Sahrmann Core Control groupThe exercises are performed in stages, from simple movements to more complicated ones, including leg lifts, single-leg extensions and double-leg lowers. The main point, at all levels, is maintaining the pelvis. One commonality through all levels is maintaining a neutral lower back no arching, no tilting, no rib flaring. This progression of movement is used to help the core learn how to stabilize the spine during functional tasks to enhance lumbopelvic stability, motor control, and promote proper movement patterns while reducing low back pain. The exercise lasted for ten seconds in the final position of the level. Each of the five levels was separated by a 1 minute break interval | Other | Sahrmann core control Protocol Group |
Primary outcome
Numeric pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: baseline week 0 and 6-week
For pain intensity numeric rating pain scale will be used The NPRS asks the patient to rate their pain on a 0-10 scale, where 0 = No pain 1-3 = Mild pain 4-6 = Moderate pain 7-10 = Severe pain Patients choose a number that best describes their present pain, average pain, or worst pain
OSWESTRY DISABILITY INDEX
Time frame: baseline week 0 and week6
Osvestry disability index scale use for NSLBP. The ODI contains 10 sections, each assessing a different functional area, degree of pain, Personal care (washing/dressing), Lifting, Walking, Sitting, Standing, Sleeping, Social life, Traveling Each section is scored 0-5, where: 0 = No disability 5 = Maximum disability The patient selects one statement per section that best describes their condition
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Aug 2026.
- BackgroundAkodu A, Tella B and Olujobi O (2015) Effect of stabilization exercise on pain and quality of life of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. African Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences 7(1): 7-11. Alqhtani RS, Ahmed H, Ghulam et al.(2024) Efficacy of core-strengthening and intensive dynamic back exercises on pain core muscle endurance and functional disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain A randomized comparative study. Journal of Clinical Medicine 13(2): 475-489 Ammar TA (2019) McGill exercises versus conventional exercises in chronic low back pain. Life Science Journal 9(5): 393-397. Baghani P, Naserpour N and Piri H (2023) Supervised group exercise therapy versus home based exercise therapy: the effect of mcgill exercises on pain, disability and trunk stability in middle-aged women with non-specific chronic low back pain. Physical Treatments-Specific Physical Therapy Journal 13(2): 127-134. Chakraborty J, Kumar P and Sarkar B (2019) Comparative study of motor control exercises and global core stabilization exercises on pain, rom and function in subjects with chronic nonspecific low back pain a randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research 9(8): 116-123. Chan E, Nadzalan A, Othman Z et al. (2020) The short-term effects of progressive vs conventional core stability exercise in rehabilitation of nonspecific chronic low back pain. Sains Malays 49(10): 2527-37. Chiarotto A and Koes BW (2022) Nonspecific low back pain. New England Journal of Medicine 38(6): 1732-1740. Childs JD, Piva SR and Fritz JM (2020) Responsiveness of the numeric pain rating scale in patients with low back pain. Spine Rehab Journal 30(11): 1331-1334. Eroglu S and Karatas G (2021) The effect of low back pain on quality of life and anxiety levels in women. Akdeniz Tıp Dergisi 7(1): 212-219. Fatoye F, Gebrye T and Odeyemi I (2019) Real-world incidence and prevalence of low back pain using routinely collected data
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing McGill core stabilization group in people with Non Specfic Chronic Low Back Pain, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 5 inclusion and 5 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: baseline week 0 and 6-week). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07775131, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 20 Aug 2026.