Group Hydrotherapy to Improve Chronic Low Back Pain and Function in Athletes

What this Trial Is About

Low back pain is a common problem, especially in athletes who undergo intense physical stress. This research aims to study the effects of group hydrotherapy on chronic low back pain and how it impacts function in athletes. Hydrotherapy uses waters properties like buoyancy and resistance to help perform exercises that might be painful on land. This study is designed to evaluate these effects in a controlled setting. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will receive hydrotherapy alongside regular physical therapy, while the other group will receive only regular physical therapy. The hydrotherapy sessions will last for six weeks and will be led by a certified physiotherapist. Exercises include reduced-weight activities performed at waist-to-neck water depth, resistance exercises at various depths, and the use of buoyancy and resistance devices. Participants will also get guidance for independent exercises. Throughout the study, participants will complete various assessments before and after the intervention. These include questionnaires on demographics, back pain history, and function, as well as physical tests like hip range of motion, forward flexion distance, and back alignment. Pain levels will be measured using a visual analog scale, and a global rating scale will assess overall improvement. The primary outcome is the change in pain level over up to eight weeks, monitored under study conditions.

Group Hydrotherapy Treatment for Athletes With Lower Back Pain