BACKGROUND: The relationship between low back pain (LBP) and reduced hip rotation has been well established. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the effect of treatment targeted at the hip in people with LBP. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the level of effectiveness that different types of exercises targeted at the hip had on pain and function in individuals with non-specific chronic or recurrent LBP with concurrent reduced hip rotation. METHOD: Thirty participants were assigned to one of three exercise groups: hip rotation stretching, multi-directional hip stretching and hip strengthening. All groups participated in a six week home exercise program. Pain (numerical rating scale), functional disability (Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire; MOD), and hip rotation measurements were assessed at baseline and post intervention. RESULTS: Results revealed that all exercise groups were effective in improving pain and function (MOD) (p < 0.05). Between group comparisons revealed that hip strengthening was more effective than hip rotation exercises in improving functional disability (p = 0.03). The majority of participants in all groups (60 to 70%) demonstrated clinical improvements in pain, but only the hip strengthening group had the majority of participants (80%) exhibit clinical improvements in function. CONCLUSION: In individuals with non-specific LBP and reduced hip rotation, clinical intervention of providing exercises targeted at the hip can be beneficial in improving pain and function, with strengthening exercises most beneficial for improving function.

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