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World J Orthop. May 18, 2025; 16(5): 104425
Published online May 18, 2025. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v16.i5.104425
Promising technique for managing nonspecific chronic low back pain using multi angular isometric lumbar exercise
Yadulla Syed, Mohamed Abubakr Hassan, Rashmi Muthira Kalayil, Othman Ahmad Othman, Ahammed Mekkodathil, Ayman El-Menyar
Yadulla Syed, Mohamed Abubakr Hassan, Rashmi Muthira Kalayil, Othman Ahmad Othman, Department of Physiotherapy, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
Ahammed Mekkodathil, Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
Ayman El-Menyar, Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Surgery, Clinical Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
Ayman El-Menyar, Department of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha 24144, Qatar
Author contributions: Syed Y, Hassan MA, Kalayil RM, Othman OA, Mekkodathil A, and El-Menyar A contributed to conceptualization, writing, and reviewing the manuscript; and all authors have read and agreed to publish this manuscript
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Ayman El-Menyar, Professor, Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Surgery, Clinical Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Al-Rayyan Street, Doha 3050, Qatar. aymanco65@yahoo.com
Received: November 20, 2024
Revised: April 6, 2025
Accepted: April 28, 2025
Published online: May 18, 2025
Processing time: 147 Days and 17.1 Hours
Abstract

Low back pain (LPB) is a common and impactful health concern globally, affecting individuals across various demographics and imposing a significant burden on the health care system. Nonspecific chronic LBP (NCLBP), characterized as pain lasting over 12 weeks without an identifiable cause, leads to notable functional limitations and reduced quality of life. Traditional rehabilitation programs, often focusing on dynamic exercises for lumbar strengthening, typically do not target the deep stabilizing muscles crucial for lumbar support and effective recovery. Multi-angular isometric lumbar exercise (MAILE) offers a low-impact method for strengthening lumbar stabilizers through multi-angular isometric contractions, reducing risks from dynamic movements. This article examines MAILE’s potential in addressing motor control dysfunctions in NCLBP, highlighting studies on lumbar muscle activation, core stability, and isometric exercises. The article explores the prevalence and socioeconomic impact of NCLBP in the Middle East, highlighting the need for affordable treatment options in areas like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This article aims to validate the efficacy of MAILE in reducing pain, enhancing mobility, and improving lumbar stability, offering a valuable option for NCLBP management. Future research should focus on large-scale clinical trials to substantiate these findings and guide clinical practice.

Keywords: Nonspecific chronic low back pain; Multi-angular isometric lumbar exercise; Physiotherapy; Musculoskeletal; Rehabilitation

Core Tip: This article underscores the promising therapeutic potential of multi-angular isometric lumbar exercise (MAILE) for managing nonspecific chronic low back pain. MAILE utilizes a low-impact, multi-angle isometric approach that effectively targets deep lumbar stabilizers, addressing motor control dysfunction without the risks associated with dynamic movements. Key benefits of MAILE include reduced pain, improved mobility, and enhanced lumbar stability. Nevertheless, further high-quality research is required to assess its efficacy, safety, and long-term advantages. Future studies must address methodological shortcomings to provide stronger evidence for clinical integration. Large-scale clinical trials are essential to validate these findings.