Lumbar Stabilization Exercises in Sedentary Adults
Greece40 participantsStarted 2026-02
Plain-language summary
This pilot randomized controlled trial will examine the effects of a four-week lumbar spine stabilization exercise program on motor control, dynamic balance, and quality of life in healthy sedentary adults. Prolonged sedentary behavior has been associated with impaired neuromuscular function and increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, even in asymptomatic individuals.
Forty sedentary adults will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which will follow a structured lumbar stabilization exercise program, or to a control group, which will receive ergonomic and stretching guidelines.
Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention using the SF-12v2 quality of life questionnaire, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the Y-Balance Test. Physical activity levels will be monitored using the IPAQ-SF. The study aims to determine whether lumbar stabilization exercises improve health-related quality of life, motor control and dynamic balance in sedentary adults.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Healthy adults with a sedentary lifestyle (no regular structured exercise in the past 2-3 months)
* Ability to participate in a moderate-intensity exercise program
* Ability to understand instructions and complete assessment questionnaires
Exclusion Criteria:
* Regular participation in structured exercise programs within the previous 2-3 months
* Diagnosed lumbar disc herniation with neurological deficits
* History of spinal or lower limb surgery within the past year
* Acute musculoskeletal injury or exacerbation of low back pain within the past 4 weeks
* Neurological or neuromuscular disorders
* Active inflammatory rheumatic disease
* Cardiopulmonary contraindications to moderate-intensity exercise
* Pregnancy or postpartum period
* Use of medications significantly affecting balance or physical performance
* Inability to understand study instructions or comply with study procedures
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial focuses on lumbar stabilization exercises for people with sedentary behavior and motor control issues — given my specific situation, do you think my level of physical inactivity and any balance or movement control problems I have would make me a reasonable candidate to discuss with the research team?
2The trial is measuring quality of life using the SF-12 survey as its main outcome — does that mean it's primarily looking at how these exercises affect how I feel day-to-day rather than directly measuring pain levels or spinal function, and would that be the most relevant outcome for my goals?
3Since this study is listed as 'not yet recruiting,' is there a realistic timeline for when it might open, and would it make more sense for me to start a standard physical therapy or exercise program now rather than waiting?
4This trial is listed as Phase NA, which often applies to behavioral or exercise-based studies rather than drug trials — can you help me understand what is and isn't known about the safety and effectiveness of lumbar stabilization exercise programs like this one based on existing research?
5If I were to eventually consider this trial, how would the exercise demands and any required visits or assessments fit with my current activity level, and are there risks specific to starting a structured lumbar stabilization program if I've been largely sedentary?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12v2) Scores
Timeframe: Baseline and 4 weeks (post-intervention)