Which Exercise Protocol Is Optimal for Improving Lower Crossed Syndrome in Athletes? Core Stability or NASM.

Background and Aim: Lower crossed syndrome (LCS) is a common postural dysfunction among individuals with sedentary lifestyles; however, it can also affect athletes due to sport-specific demands. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of core stability exercises (CSE) and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) exercises on lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and trunk muscle endurance in athletes with LCS. Methods: This study employed an experimental design with pretest and posttest assessments across three groups. Thirty-six male athletes with LCS (aged 20-30 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: the CSE group, the NASM group, and the control group. Participants in the experimental groups performed their respective exercise protocols for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week). Lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt angles were assessed using a flexicurve and a pelvic inclinometer, respectively. Additionally, the McGill test was used to determine the endurance of the trunk muscles. Results: Both exercise protocols significantly decreased the lumbar lordosis angle and pelvic tilt, and significantly increased the endurance of the trunk flexors and extensors ( Conclusions: An 8-week of core stability and NASM exercise program are recommended to reduce the lumbar lordosis angle and pelvic tilt and to improve the endurance of trunk flexors and extensors in athletes with LCS. Although only the NASM protocol increased the endurance of lateral trunk flexors on both the dominant and nondominant sides, no significant difference was observed between the two exercise protocols regarding the other variables.