An interventional study of Dead Bug Exercises with Diaphragmatic Breathing and Dead Bug Exercises Only in Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain, sponsored by University of Management and Technology Lahore. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 50 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-29.
Sponsored by University of Management and Technology Lahore · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This study outlines a Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) evaluating whether combining diaphragmatic breathing with Dead Bug exercises provides superior benefits compared to Dead Bug exercises alone for individuals suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain. The trial will randomly assign 34 participants (aged 18-50 with mild-to-moderate back pain lasting at least 3 months) into two 6-week intervention groups (3 sessions per week) to measure and compare changes in pain intensity via the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), core stability using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) and the Modified Isometric Stability Test (MIST), fear of movement via the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), and functional disability through the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI).
285 studies on the registry are indexed under Kinesiophobia; 91 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 34 is below the median of 52 across 174 interventional studies indexed under Kinesiophobia.
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NSCLBP patients aged ≥ 18 to 50 years old. Both males and females are included. Mild to moderate back pain with NPRS pain score value of between 4/10 - 6/10. Pain from at least past three months (12 weeks). Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI) score indicating mild to moderate disability Pain localized between lower costal margins and the inferior gluteal folds
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients underwent any abdominal and/or thoracic surgery Pregnancy Visceral disease-related low back pain (e.g. Kidney stones pain, appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease ) Severe neurological deficit or symptoms including nerve compression. Ex. Cauda equina syndrome) Radiculopathy below knee No recent therapy or intervention.
Participants will first perform diaphragmatic breathing in a supine position, focusing on slow nasal inhalation with abdominal expansion and controlled exhalation through mouth. After completing the breathing exercise, they will perform dead bug exercises while maintaining appropriate trunk control and a neutral lumbar spine. This intervention aims to facilitate breathing control and core muscle coordination.
Other: Dead Bug Exercises with Diaphragmatic Breathing
Participants will perform dead bug exercises in a supine position with hips and knees flexed. They will alternately move their arms and legs while maintaining a neutral lumbar spine and stable trunk. The exercises aim to improve core stability, lumbopelvic control, and coordination.
Other: Dead Bug Exercises Only
will perform a 6-week progressive Dead Bug exercise program combined with diaphragmatic breathing-practiced 5 sets of 10 repetitions per session starting in a semi-Fowler's position and advancing to functional movements like walking and stairs. The exercise progression moves from isolated arm movements (Weeks 1-2: 2 sets × 10 reps per arm) to isolated leg movements (Weeks 3-4: 2 sets × 10 reps per leg) and culminates in classic opposite arm and leg movements (Weeks 5-6: 2 sets × 8-10 reps per side)
The exercise progression moves from isolated arm movements (Weeks 1-2: 2 sets × 10 reps per arm) to isolated leg movements (Weeks 3-4: 2 sets × 10 reps per leg) and culminates in classic opposite arm and leg movements (Weeks 5-6: 2 sets × 8-10 reps per side).
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
11-point numeric with 0 representing No pain, 1-3 representing Mild Pain (nagging, annoying, interfering little with ADLs), 4-6 representing Moderate Pains (interferes significantly with ADLs), 7-10 representing Sever Pain (disabling, unable to perform)
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
The Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI)
It assesses disability associated with low back pain using 10 sections, each scored from 0-5, with the total converted into a percentage. Scores of 0-20% indicate minimal disability, 21-40% moderate disability, 41-60% severe disability, 61-80% crippling disability, and 81-100% bed-bound or exaggerating symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11)
It assesses fear of movement and reinjury using 11 items scored on a 4-point Likert scale, producing a total score of 11-44, with higher scores indicating greater kinesiophobia.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Modified Isometric Stability Test (MIST) using Pressure Biofeedback Unit
Core stability is assessed across six progressive testing positions while recording pressure readings in mmHg. The commonly cited baseline is 40 mmHg (acceptable range 36-44 mmHg).
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Plan to share: Yes — The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
Supporting information: Study protocol, Statistical analysis plan, Informed consent form
Time frame: 6 months after the publication of the manuscript.
Access criteria: The data can be requested from the corresponding author.
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Oct 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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University of Management and Technology Lahore