The Effects of Combined Core Stability and Lumbopelvic Stabilization Exercises on Kinesiophobia, Depression, and Anxiety in Women with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yalfani, Ali; Azizpour, Mehrane; Azizian, Masoud; Bashiri, Maryam

doi:10.48307/FMSJ.2026.30.3.346

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Volume 30, Issue 3 (Bimonthly 2026)

Feyz Med Sci J 2026, 30(3): 346-358

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The Effects of Combined Core Stability and Lumbopelvic Stabilization Exercises on Kinesiophobia, Depression, and Anxiety in Women with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ali Yalfani ^*

, Mehrane Azizpour

, Masoud Azizian

, Maryam Bashiri

Department of Exercise Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran , aliyalfani@yahoo.com

Abstract: (726 Views)

Background and Aim: Chronic Low Back Pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders that can significantly affect daily functioning, quality of life, and psychological status. The present study aimed to examine the effects of combined core stability and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises on kinesiophobia, depression, and anxiety in women with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 40 women with chronic non-specific low back pain. Participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (N = 20) or a control group (N = 20). The intervention group underwent an 8-week training protocol consisting of combined core stability and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises, three sessions per week. The primary outcome was kinesiophobia, which was assessed by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK). Secondary outcomes included anxiety and depression, which were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Results: The results showed that the exercise group demonstrated significant reductions in kinesiophobia (P<0.05, η²=0.889), depression (P<0.05, η²=0.908), and anxiety (P<0.05, η²=0.91) compared with the control group, with large effect sizes. Within-group analysis also indicated that the 8-week exercise program led to significant improvements in all assessed variables, including kinesiophobia, depression, and anxiety (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the combination of core stability and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises can serve as an effective rehabilitation approach for reducing kinesiophobia and improving psychological status in women with chronic non-specific low back pain. Incorporating this protocol alongside conventional treatments may enhance both physical and psychological outcomes in these patients.

Keywords: Chronic non-specific low back pain, core stability, lumbopelvic stabilization, kinesiophobia, anxiety

Full-Text [PDF 1000 kb] (38 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: medicine, paraclinic
Received: 2026/04/6 | Revised: 2026/08/25 | Accepted: 2026/05/24 | Published: 2026/07/1

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Yalfani A, Azizpour M, Azizian M, Bashiri M. The Effects of Combined Core Stability and Lumbopelvic Stabilization Exercises on Kinesiophobia, Depression, and Anxiety in Women with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Feyz Med Sci J 2026; 30 (3) :346-358
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