Riassunto dello studio

Thirty-five female patients with chronic low back pain were randomized to one of two sequences: stabilization exercises followed by yoga or yoga followed by stabilization exercises. Each intervention lasted 8 weeks, separated by a 2-week washout. The primary outcomes were pain intensity (VAS), disability (ODI), and functional performance (Back Performance Scale). Secondary outcomes included transversus abdominis (TrA) activation, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, sleep quality (PSQI), and metabolic capacity (6-minute walk test). Overall, the results revealed that both yoga and stabilization exercises significantly improved pain, disability, performance, sleep quality, and metabolic capacity, with no between-group differences in these measures. Stabilization exercises, however, produced significantly greater improvements in TrA activation than yoga. In conclusion, both interventions effectively improve symptoms and function in chronic low back pain, while stabilization exercises may be preferred when targeting deep core muscle reactivation.