Abstract

BACKGROUND: Due to their occupational status, military personnel are a high-risk group for low back pain (LBP). PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neuromuscular exercises on the severity of pain, functional disability, proprioception, and balance in military personnel with LBP. METHODS: Military personnel with LBP were randomly assigned into two groups: intervention (n=15) and control (n=15). The intervention group performed 60 minutes of neuromuscular exercises three times per week for eight weeks while the control group continued their routine physical activities. RESULTS: The mean post-intervention pain intensity, disability, and proprioception error significantly decreased in the intervention group. Whereas their mean post-interventions static and dynamic balance scores significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate eight weeks of neuromuscular exercise decreased pain intensity and improved functional ability, static and dynamic balance, and proprioception among military staff suffering chronic low back pain.