Effects of Integrated Lumbar Canal Decompression Exercises Program on Pain, Functional Mobility, and Walking Performance in Participants With Lumbar Canal Stenosis

Background Lumbar canal stenosis (LCS) is a common degenerative spinal disorder characterized by narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal, resulting in neural compression, pain, neurogenic claudication, impaired mobility, reduced walking capacity, and functional disability. Conservative physiotherapy interventions are frequently recommended to alleviate symptoms and improve functional outcomes. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of integrated lumbar canal decompression exercises remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of an Integrated Lumbar Canal Decompression Exercise Program with a conventional exercise program on pain, functional mobility, walking performance, and disability in individuals with LCS. Methodology A comparative study was conducted among 130 participants diagnosed with LCS. Participants were recruited using a simple random sampling technique and allocated into two groups. Group A (control group) received a conventional exercise program, while Group B (experimental group) received an Integrated Lumbar Canal Decompression Exercise Program. Outcome measures included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Modified Schober Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Self-Paced Walking Test, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Assessments were performed before and after the intervention period. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired and independent t-tests, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in NPRS at rest (p=0.0413), NPRS during activity (p=0.0365), Modified Schober Test (p=0.0334), Self-Paced Walking Test (p=0.0299), and Oswestry Disability Index (p=0.0227). No significant improvement was observed in the Timed Up and Go Test (p=0.8473). The control group showed significant improvement only in NPRS during activity (p=0.0407) and Oswestry Disability Index (p=0.0209). Between-group analysis revealed significant differences in the Modified Schober Test (p=0.0262) and the ODI (p=0.0119), favoring the experimental group. In contrast, no significant differences were found for pain intensity, the Timed Up and Go Test, or the Self-Paced Walking Test. Conclusion Both interventions contributed to improvements in pain and functional outcomes; however, the Integrated Lumbar Canal Decompression Exercise Program demonstrated greater improvements in lumbar mobility and disability between groups. These findings suggest that integrated decompression strategies may have potential as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy rehabilitation for individuals with LCS. Further randomized, multicentre, and longer-term studies are warranted to confirm these findings and determine their clinical applicability.