Efficacy of Otago versus Bosu ball exercise protocol on core stabilization, static and dynamic balance in non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomized parallel arm clinical trial

Chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a pain and stiffness in the lower back region for which specific cause of the pain is unknown. Otago exercises and Bosu ball exercises aim to improve balance and reduce pain and disability. There is a lack of literature where these approaches are not compared and hence the need arises to evaluate their efficacy in the management of NSLBP. A randomized parallel arm clinical trial was conducted in physiotherapy outpatient department at tertiary care center located in Belagavi city, India. 36 individuals with NSLBP, where 18 individuals were randomly allocated into two groups, i.e. Group A (Otago exercise) and Group B (both sides utilized (Bosu) ball exercise). Both the groups received conventional therapy (hot moist pack and interferential current therapy) 3 times/ week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures like plank holding test, star excursion balance test (SEBT), single-leg stance test (SLST), visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were assessed at baseline and on day 12 post-treatment. A within-group analysis using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test and the dependent t-test showed statistically significant improvements in all outcome measures (P < 0.05). Between group analysis has shown both interventions to be equally effective in ODI (P = 0.2970) in individuals with NSLBP. In conclusion both Otago and Bosu ball exercises were effective, Bosu ball exercise demonstrated greater efficacy in enhancing core stability, static and dynamic balance, as well as reducing disability and pain in individuals with chronic NSLBP. Clinical trial registry of India: registration number CTRI/2023/11/059489