Effectiveness of abdominal hollowing and piriformis stretching exercise on spondylolisthesis patients: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Background: Spondylolisthesis, characterized by vertebral displacement, poses significant challenges in pain management and functional impairment. Purpose: This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effectiveness of abdominal hollowing and piriformis stretching exercises as interventions for improving symptoms and functional outcomes in spondylolisthesis patients. Objectives: The primary objectives were to evaluate changes in pain severity, functional disability, and kinesiophobia following a structured exercise intervention compared to standard care. Methodology: 60 participants diagnosed with spondylolisthesis were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=30) receiving abdominal hollowing and piriformis stretching exercises or a control group (n=30) receiving standard care. Outcome measures included pain assessments using visual analog scales, functional disability using validated questionnaires, and post-intervention assessments. Statistical analyses included paired and unpaired t-tests to assess within-group and between-group differences. Results: Participants in the experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain reduction, functional capacity compared to the control group. These improvements were sustained through the post-test period. Conclusion: This study provides robust evidence supporting the efficacy of abdominal hollowing and piriformis stretching exercises in managing symptoms and enhancing functional outcomes in spondylolisthesis patients. These findings underscore the importance of tailored exercise interventions as integral components of comprehensive management strategies for spondylolisthesis. Keywords: Spondylolisthesis, Abdominal Hollowing, Piriformis Stretching, Pain