Table 2 Comparison of pain and disability scores among the two groups of study (Back exercise and TENS group)

Pain score

Baseline

46.91 ± 9.09

51.36 ± 8.46

p-value =0.030; F = 5.06; df = 1

MD (95% CI): −4.23 (−8.03 to −0.44)

p-value =0.007; F = 8.15; df = 1

After intervention

37.95 ± 8.21

35.18 ± 4.49

MD (95% CI)

−8.95(−12.77 to −5.14)

−16.18(−19.81 to − 12.55)

Main effect of time

p-value < 0.001; F = 24.1; df = 42

p-value < 0.001; F = 102.8; df = 42

Disability score

Baseline

23.10 ± 11.44

27.91 ± 6.85

p-value =0.021; F = 5.74; df = 1;

MD (95% CI): −3.99 (−7.35 to −0.64)

p-value =0.001; F = 8.57; df = 1

After intervention

14.36 ± 6.55

12.09 ± 5.93

MD (95% CI)

−8.73(−12.42 to −5.03);

−15.82(−19.24 to − 12.40)

Main effect of time

p-value < 0.001; F = 23.8; df = 42

p-value < 0.001; F = 86.1; df = 42