Stronger back muscles may ease chronic pain — a trial puts the idea to the test

This trial investigates whether adding specific lumbar extension strengthening exercises to standard physical therapy (manual therapy and motor control exercises) can further reduce disability and improve back muscle function in adults with chronic low back pain. Sixty participants will receive eight weeks of physical therapy, with half also doing targeted low back strengthening. Researchers will measure changes in disability, muscle thickness, endurance, and healthcare use to see if the extra exercises make a meaningful difference.