Effectiveness of Hip Extensor Exercise on the Level of Low Back Pain Among Post-Menopausal Women in PRS Hospital Trivandrum

Abstract

Menopause is a natural transitional phase in a woman's life that marks the permanent cessation of menstruation and the end of reproductive capability. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Although menopause itself is not classified as a disease or medical condition, it is often accompanied by a range of physical and psychological symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and musculoskeletal discomfort. One of the most prevalent and debilitating complaints among postmenopausal women is low back pain (LBP).

Low back pain is a widespread public health issue, with significant social, functional, and economic consequences. It affects individuals of all ages but is particularly common among women in the menopausal and postmenopausal age groups (45–60 years) due to hormonal changes, decreased bone density, muscle weakness, and reduced physical activity. In many cases, poor flexibility and tightness in the hamstring muscles are contributing factors to low back pain, as they can alter pelvic alignment and strain the lower spine.

Given these concerns, this study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted hip extension exercises in reducing the severity of low back pain among postmenopausal women. The research was conducted at PRS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, with the aim of promoting simple, low-cost, and accessible interventions to improve quality of life for this population.