Effect of Motor Imagery and Conventional Exercises on Pain and Disability in Subjects with Chronic Mechanical Back Pain

Research Methodology: A total of 40 participants with chronic mechanical back pain were randomly assigned to either an MI group or a conventional exercise group. Interventions were administered over four weeks. Pain intensity was assessed using the NPRS, functional disability was measured through the MODI, and psychological inflexibility was evaluated using the PIPS.

Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Within-group and between-group analyses were conducted using paired t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests respectively. Post-hoc power analysis and MCID calculations were also performed.

Results: Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in NPRS, MODI, and PIPS scores after four weeks (p < 0.05), with changes exceeding the MCID thresholds, indicating clinically meaningful benefits. However, between-group comparisons showed no statistically significant differences in outcomes (p > 0.05). Post-hoc analysis revealed adequate power for NPRS but lower power for MODI and PIPS.

Conclusion: MI was found to be an effective intervention in reducing pain, improving disability, and enhancing psychological flexibility in individuals with chronic mechanical back pain. Although no statistically significant differences were observed when compared to conventional exercises, the clinical improvements confirm that MIcan be effectively incorporated into rehabilitation programs. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are recommended to further validate these findings.

Keywords: Chronic back pain, Motor imagery, Conventional exercises, Pain management, Disability, Psychological Status