The Effect of Rehabilitation Exercises and Iontophoresis on Reducing Pain and Improving Flexibility and Muscle Strength in Bodybuilders Suffering from Lower Back Pain

Abstract

Low back pain is considered one of the most common problems among individuals in general and athletes in particular, due to the vital role played by the muscles of this region in supporting the body, bearing loads, and performing various movements. This study aimed to identify the effect of rehabilitative exercises combined with iontophoresis in reducing pain intensity and improving flexibility and muscular strength among bodybuilding athletes suffering from low back pain. The researchers used the experimental method due to its suitability to the nature of the research problem. The research sample consisted of (10) injured bodybuilders aged (25–35) years who practice this sport in gyms located in the center of Al-Kut city. The sample was intentionally selected from individuals suffering from low back pain who attend Al-Zahraa General Hospital / Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled and Dr. Bashar Al-Zamli Center in Wasit Governorate.The researchers concluded that the rehabilitation program (rehabilitative exercises combined with the iontophoresis technique) had a clear positive effect on all study variables among the sample members. It significantly contributed to reducing the level of pain in the injured area, improving the range of motion of the back muscles, and increasing trunk muscle strength in bodybuilding athletes. The researchers recommend the use of rehabilitative exercises and iontophoresis by rehabilitation and physical therapy specialists due to their effective role in the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from low back pain. They also recommend incorporating iontophoresis in the early stages of rehabilitation to rapidly control pain, which facilitates the effective initiation of movement exercises.