Effect of Swiss Ball Versus Floor Exercises in Patients  with Mechanical Low Back Pain: A Comparative Study

Sakshi Parmar; Sachin Gupta; Ambreen Fatima; Nidhi Singh; Sonika Girsa

doi:10.15391/prrht.2025-10(5).05

Authors

Sakshi Parmar Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3223-2647
Sachin Gupta Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5287-0994
Ambreen Fatima Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8613-9545
Nidhi Singh Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0811-9825
Sonika Girsa Department of Physiotherapy, College of Physiotherapy, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2946-889X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15391/prrht.2025-10(5).05

Keywords:

Mechanical low back pain, Swiss ball exercises, floor exercises, rehabilitation, pain management, muscle endurance

Abstract

Purpose. Mechanical low back pain is a prevalent health issue that necessitates effective non-surgical treatment options. While exercise therapy is a fundamental component of conservative care, further research is needed to compare the efficacy of various exercise approaches. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Swiss ball exercises and floor-based exercises in individuals with mechanical low back pain.

Material & Methods. A comparative study was conducted with participants divided into two intervention groups. Group A received a moist heat pack application for 15 minutes, followed by Swiss ball exercises, while Group B received a moist heat pack application for 15 minutes, followed by floor exercises. Outcome measures included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability, and the Dynamic Abdominal Endurance Test (DAET), the Dynamic Extensor Endurance Test (DEET), and the Manual Testing (MT) for muscle endurance and strength evaluation. Assessments were performed at baseline and after the intervention period.

Results. Both intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements across all outcome measures. Analysis of pre- and post-intervention data revealed that both Swiss ball exercises and floor exercises effectively reduced pain intensity scores on VAS, decreased functional disability ratings on ODI, and improved muscle endurance and strength as measured by DAET DEET and MT.

Conclusions. Both Swiss ball exercises and floor exercises, when combined with moist heat application, provide effective therapeutic benefits for patients with mechanical low back pain, including pain reduction, decreased functional disability, and enhanced muscle endurance and strength.

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