Effects of Manual Therapy and Inclined Board Standing on Low Back Pain

To date, there have been limited clinical trials conducted to determine the effects of manual therapy combined with passive stretching and inclined board standing for treating low-back pain. This will be the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of these integrated interventions. The study aims to develop a new approach towards the cost-effective management of low-back pain, in line with the World Health Organization's (WHO) vision of maximizing health outcomes, preventing disability, and reducing the cost of care.

Manual therapy is a sub-type of physical therapy that uses hands-on maneuver to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Mobilization and manipulation are widely used for the management of low-back-pain (LBP), a common and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The goal of manual therapy is to improve mobility, reduce pain and discomfort, and enhance functional capacity. Evidence is growing now a days that is in the direction of usage of manual therapy for the treatment of the lower back pain. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of manual-therapy procedures such as spinal high velocity low amplitude thrust, low velocity and high intensity joint passive movement, and massage in alleviating pain and dysfunction and enhancing physical and mental functions in clinical cases with lower backache.

The prime purpose of this research aimed to investigate the relationship between the length of the tensor fasciae lata (TFL) and pelvic rotation during one-leg stance in healthy adults. 41 participants were assessed using a 3-dimensional motion analyzer, and their TFL length and hip rotation range of motion were measured. The results divided participants into two groups based on their pelvic rotation during one-leg stance. Although there was no significant difference in TFL length between the two groups, the study suggests that pelvic instability may cause trunk instability during one-leg stance.

Another study looked at static balance in three different standing positions with and without a foam surface. It found that standing over slanted surfaces increased postural unsteadiness, and that dorsiflexed ankles over a foam surface created more postural instability.

To create a human-like biped posture, a study created a Neural Controllable (NC) model to represent a human-like biped posture. The model generated physiologically reasonable muscle activations and captured the idea that individuals choose a low active stiffness level while standing to use less energy.

Another researcher reviewed the involvement of the "kinetic chain" in overhead athletes and applied it to clinical workout adjustments for the prevention and treatment of shoulder injuries. The study found that lower extremities, trunk, and scapular area all play a role in the formation of adequate terminal segment acceleration during overhead throwing and serving actions. The study suggests that traditional shoulder exercises should include scapular stabilizer and core musculature activation in addition to rotator cuff activation.

Research Gap:

Low-back-pain (LBP) is a Musculo-skeletal ailment that has a negative societal impact and is extremely common around the world, causing disability. LBP is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention in the United States, along with neck pain, which is connected with the greatest healthcare expenses. Surgical patients are the most expensive per care episode, however the vast majority of lower backache management spending can be attributable to the substantially higher number of non-operative care episodes.

In 2021, Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy (AOPT) has published updated Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for acute and chronic low-back-pain linked to the ICF model for physical therapists The updated Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for the treatment of lower back pain (LBP) recommend four interventional categories: exercise, manual and other-directed therapies, classification systems, and patient education. The guidelines were developed to be applicable globally and acknowledge that differences in factors such as healthcare systems, cultural norms, and social health determinants may impact the implementation of these recommendations. Physical therapists are the primary audience, but other stakeholders may also find the guidelines useful. The CPG update has identified knowledge gaps in the treatment of LBP and recommended further research using Single Level I RCT or Small-Sample Level II RCTs With Short Follow-up Times to develop better and cost-effective management approaches.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

Participants are capable of receiving the treatment thrice a week willingly for maximum of 60 minutes.

Persistent low back pain that has lasted more than three months with no evidence of improvement, with or without discomfort into the lower limbs.

Low back pain on Numerical Pain Rating scale of at least 2/10 and less or equal to 9/10. Age 18-65 years

Exclusion Criteria:

No informed consent Pregnancy reported by the patient Prior surgical history of spine Previously diagnosed inflammatory joint disease. Warning complaints diagnosed by therapist. These cases were referred for lab investigation.

Motor or sensory neurological signs Cases of low-back-pain are not compliant with the exercise program. Previously or currently indulge in the exercise plan or physical fitness plan