Clinical trial NCT06976242: Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Elastic Resistance Versus Free Weight Training Of Gluteus Medius In Improving Pain, Strength, And Overall Gait Speed In Patients With Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Official title: Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Elastic Resistance Versus Free Weight Training Of Gluteus Medius In Improving Pain, Strength, And Overall Gait Speed In Patients With Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Low Back Pain
Keywords: Gluteus Medius
Low Back Pain
Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Exercise Therapy
Lead sponsor: Khyber Medical University Peshawar
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-05-16
Enrollment: 36
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 30
Maximum age (years): 60
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: Participants will be randomly assigned to either an elastic resistance training group or a free weight training group to compare outcomes related to pain, strength, and gait speed.
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of elastic resistance training and free weight training in strengthening the gluteus medius muscle among patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Weakness in the gluteus medius can contribute to pelvic instability and altered gait patterns, which may exacerbate low back pain. While both elastic resistance and free weight exercises are commonly used in rehabilitation, there is limited evidence comparing their relative benefits in this population. This study evaluates improvements in pain, muscle strength, and overall gait speed following each intervention. The findings will help guide clinicians in choosing the most effective and accessible strengthening method for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Detailed description: The gluteus medius plays a vital role in pelvic stabilization and maintaining proper gait mechanics. Dysfunction or weakness in this muscle is frequently associated with chronic non-specific low back pain, a condition affecting a significant proportion of the population. Rehabilitation strategies that target the gluteus medius are crucial for restoring lumbar-pelvic stability, optimizing functional movement, and reducing pain.

Free weight training, using equipment like dumbbells and barbells, is a traditional method to enhance muscle strength and improve neuromuscular coordination. However, it often requires proper supervision to avoid injury due to the need for controlled movements and joint stability. On the other hand, elastic resistance training, which employs tools like resistance bands or tubes, offers a safer, cost-effective, and portable alternative. It allows progressive resistance throughout the range of motion, matching the user's strength curve and facilitating home-based exercise programs.

This randomized controlled trial is designed to compare these two training modalities, which are elastic resistance versus free weights in terms of their effectiveness at improving gluteus medius strength, reducing low back pain, and enhancing gait speed in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. The trial includes baseline and post-intervention assessments using validated clinical tools for measuring pain, strength, and gait speed.

The goal is to determine which intervention yields greater clinical benefit and offers a more practical approach for implementation in therapeutic settings, especially for populations with limited access to conventional gym equipment. The findings could contribute valuable evidence to inform clinical decision-making in physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 30-60 years
2. Both males and females of any race and ethnicity
3. Musculoskeletal condition that affects the gluteus Medius of hip
4. MMT for gluteus medius is 3 or less than 3
5. chronic stage of nonspecific low back pain
6. Cognitively intact (mini mental scale) and able to walk 10 meters with or without support.
7. Volunteer participations.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Post-surgical conditions like TKR, THR.
2. Any contraindication to exercise.
3. Female individuals who have muscular weakness due to pregnancy
4. Any neurological conditions (myopathies, neuropathies) causing muscular weakness
5. Chronic low back pain in which Gluteus Medius weakness is not measurable.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Change in Pain Intensity
timeFrame: Baseline and at 4 weeks post-intervention
measure: Change in Gluteus Medius Muscle Strength
timeFrame: Baseline and at 4 weeks post-intervention
measure: Change in Overall Gait Speed
timeFrame: Baseline and at 4 weeks post-intervention
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Peshawar
country: Pakistan
facility: Rehman Medical Institute
state: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Study officials:
affiliation: Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Khyber Medical University Peshawar
name: Gulab Noor, MSPT
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
affiliation: Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Khyber Medical University Peshawar
name: Dr Hazrat Bilal, PhD*
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
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