BACKGROUND: Chronic low back ache is one of the most common health problems affecting around 80% of the population sometime during their lifetime. It mostly affects the working age-group, have major economic impact. Exercise programs, designed to strengthen muscles, maintain and increase the range of movements and improve endurance are the cornerstone of management of chronic low back pain. Shortwave diathermy is a proven therapy for these patients. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of

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... ominal strengthening and spinal extensors strengthening along with SWD in reducing pain, disability and improving range of motion in subjects with chronic low back ache, and to compare this effectiveness between the two groups. METHODS: Sixty subjects aged 30-50 years with chronic low back ache were treated with either abdominal strengthening exercises or SWD (Group A, n=30) or spinal extensor strengthening exercises and SWD (Group B, n=30) at a frequency of 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Treatment outcomes were assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, Modified-Modified Schober's Test for range of motion, and Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ) for functional disability. RESULTS: After eight weeks of intervention, in both treatment groups, there was a significant improvement in all three parameters, when compared to baseline (VAS scores: Group A, 7.03±0.77 at baseline vs. 1.60±0.56 at Week 8 and Group B, 7.37±0.86 vs. 2.23±0.57; MMST: Group A, 12.23±1.33 vs. 21.73±1.02 and Group B, 12.70±1.34 vs. 20.47±1.04; MODQ, Group A, 43.85±8.43 vs. 13.63±4.11 and Group B, 51.75±9.40 vs. 18.67±3.51; P<0.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: Shortwave diathermy with abdominal strengthening exercises is more effective than with spinal extensor strengthening exercises in reducing pain and enhancing functional performance in subjects with chronic low back ache.