Effects of combining diaphragm training with electrical stimulation on pain, function, and balance in athletes with chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background It is unknown how diaphragm training combined with electrical stimulation affects pain, function, static stability, and balance in athletes chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study aimed to explore the effects of combining on dynamic nonspecific CLBP. Methods The design was a randomized clinical trial. A total 24 amateur (12 women, 12 men, mean age: 35.2 ± 9.8) CLBP were randomly allocated into two groups. experimental group ( n = 12) received plus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), while control TENS alone. Both groups underwent sessions over four-week period. Static balance, function measured pre- post-intervention. Results Analysis variance 2 × revealed greater improvements p < 0.001), stability 0.01) compared group. Function improved both following interventions there trend larger improvement than 0.09). Fisher’s exact test showed that reported ≥50% only score, not alone 0.005). Conclusions Pain, intervention sessions. However, extent Therefore, it seems beneficial add rehabilitation program for Trial registration trial retrospectively registered Iranian Registry Clinical Trials www.irct.ir ) September 10, 2020 as IRCT20090228001719N8 .