Background and Aim: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) can lead to compensatory spinopelvic changes, including hyperlordosis, restricted spinal mobility, and functional disability in volleyball players. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 10-week combined corrective exercise program (land and water) on the lumbar lordosis angle, spinal range of motion (ROM), and functional disability in professional volleyball players with LDH.

Methods: In this randomized, single-blind clinical trial (blinded assessor), 30 professional male volleyball players with MRI-confirmed LDH were randomly allocated to either an experimental or a control group (n=15 per group). The experimental group performed a 10-week combined exercise program consisting of one land-based core stability session and two aquatic therapy sessions per week. Lumbar lordosis, spinal ROM, and disability were assessed using a flexible ruler, modified Schober test, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire, respectively. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and ANCOVA (P < 0.05).

Results: Following the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated a significant decrease in the lumbar lordosis angle (Mean Difference [MD] = -6.00°, Effect Size [η_p^2] = 0.65) and disability scores (MD = -13.00, η_p^2= 0.71) compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Additionally, spinal flexion and extension ROM significantly increased in the experimental group (P = 0.001). The control group showed no significant changes.

Conclusion: A combined land-water corrective exercise protocol may serve as a beneficial conservative approach to modify spinopelvic kinematics, reduce hyperlordosis, and alleviate functional disability in volleyball players with LDH.