Connective Tissue Massage And Classical Massage In Patients With Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain.

Objective This study aimed to compare the effects of connective tissue massage and classical massage on pain, functional status and quality of life in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Methods The study included 30 participants diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: classical massage (n=10), connective tissue massage (n=10), and control groups (n=10). The control group received standart physical therapy only. All interventions were administered over a period of 3 days per week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. All assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks. For all participants, the severity of pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, the level of impaired function was measured using the Functional Low Back Pain Scale, lumbar mobility was evaluated with the Modified Schober Test and Sit and Reach Test, physical disabilities were gauged using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, and the quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 Quality of Life questionnaire.

This was a 3-arm randomized controlled trial, parallel-group study with blind outcomes assessor. Ethical approval was obtained from the Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Health Sciences Ethics Committee (09.01.2020, decision no: 4). Detailed information about the study was verbally provided to participants, and written informed consent was obtained. The study adhered to the ethical principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study design adhered to the CONSORT guidelines for rigorous reporting.11 After obtaining consent and confirming the inclusion criteria, a convenience sample of 30 participants was equally and randomly divided into three groups: the CTM group (n=10), CM group (n=10), and control group (n=10). Randomization was carried out by an independent physical therapist, who was not involved in the assessment or treatment of the participants, 1 hour before the baseline measurements. The randomization process involved using opaque and sealed envelopes, each containing a group allocation number generated from a computer-generated random number table. Block randomization was employed to ensure an equal distribution of participants across the groups.

All treatment sessions were administered by the same investigator (C.D) in the study group. The intervention duration was uniform across all groups: 4 consecutive weeks, with 3 sessions per week lasting 15-20 minutes per session. Outcome measurements were taken at the beginning and 4 weeks after the completion of the program. An independent physiotherapist, unaware of the research details and participant groupings, conducted the evaluations.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 65,
* Diagnosis of chronic non-specific low back pain,
* Rest or activity pain score of 3 or higher on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Undergoing surgical operation within the last 6 months or having prior spinal surgery,
* Presence of spondyloarthropathy, spondylolisthesis, or lumbar stenosis,
* Systemic inflammatory disease,
* Usage of non-specific anti-inflammatory medication in the past 15 days
* Pregnancy.