Muscle Energy Technique and Foam Roller Self Myofascial Release in Two-wheeler Riders With Chronic Low Back Pain
Condition: Chronic Low-back Pain
MeSH terms: Back Pain; Low Back Pain
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Pain in the lower back is a major concern in today's era due to prolonged sitting in
      two-wheeler riders, mainly due to hamstring tightness. It also creates physical disability
      and impairment in activities of daily living. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of
      muscle energy technique (MET) and self-myofascial release (SMFR) using the foam roller on
      hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance, and physical disability amongst two-wheeler riders
      with chronic low back pain. Participants were randomized into two intervention groups, MET
      and SMFR, using the envelope method, with each group having 20 participants. Hamstring
      flexibility and range of motion for knee extension and the lower back were assessed using the
      active knee extension test and sit and reach test, the dynamic balance was assessed by the
      star excursion balance test (SEBT) and physical disability by Roland-Morris Disability
      Questionnaire, (RMDQ). Measurements were taken at baseline and after 4-week of intervention.
      The level of significance value was set at 95% (p <0.05).
    

Detailed description: 
      The present study proved that both SMFR using the foam roller and MET are effective in
      improving hamstring muscle flexibility, dynamic balance, and physical disability in
      two-wheeler riders with chronic low back pain. Thus, either of the two techniques can be used
      for treating bikers with tight hamstrings causing chronic low back pain. Compared to MET,
      SMFR using foam rollers was found to be more effective in enhancing hamstring flexibility,
      improving balance, and decreasing disability levels on the RMDQ after 4 weeks. This study
      will be aware of the necessity of hamstring stretching and balance training among two-wheeler
      riders for a prolonged duration on a daily basis and take the initiative to improve their
      hamstring flexibility and balance.
    

Intervention name(s): Muscle energy technique; Self-myofascial release technique
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): Participants were required to adopt a supine position. MET's post-isometric relaxation method was chosen. The therapist gently flexed the patient's hip until the limitation bar-rier was detected. At this stage, isometric contractions against resistance were applied. After that, the patients were told to resist the movement with only 25% of their strength. Before the leg was released, the contraction was maintained for 7-10 seconds. On exhale, the knee joint was straightened (extended) towards its new barrier, and a stretch was applied and maintained through that barrier for 30 seconds. This procedure was carried out six times.; A foam roller was rolled from the ischial tuberosity to the back of the knee on the side being tested while the participant remained seated in a long sitting position. Individuals were instructed to keep all of their body weight on the leg being evaluated. They spent 30-40 seconds rolling one hamstring at a time in each set (10 times back and forth).
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: Randomized controlled trial
Masking: Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Hamstring flexibility; Muscle Energy technique; Self-myofascial release; Foam roller; Dynamic balance; Physical disability; Sit and reach test; Active knee extension