Clinical trial NCT06663644: Muscle Energy Technique in Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Official title: Comparative Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique on Iliotibial Band Versus Hamstring and Abdominal Muscles Activation in Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Keywords: nonspecific low back pain
muscle energy technique
hamstring and abdominal muscle activation
90/90 hip lift with balloon
Lead sponsor: Riphah International University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2024-10-29
Enrollment: 28
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 40
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: The two treatment groups are muscle energy technique group and hamstring and abdominal muscle activation group. Patients in the muscle energy technique group will receive muscle energy technique on iliotibial band along with conventional treatment. In this technique, after positioning the patient was asked to apply 30% force against therapist force and hold that contraction for 7-10seconds and after that relax for 5seconds and when patient exhale. Therapists take muscle to new restriction barrier; hold this position for 10-60 seconds with 3-5 repetition. The other group will receive 90/90 hip lift with balloon. The technique is performed in supine lying position such that lie on back with feet on a wall and knees and hips bent at 90 degrees angle. Place a 4-6" ball between knees. Place right arm above head and a balloon in left hand. Now inhale through nose and slowly blow out into the balloon. Pause 3 seconds with tongue on the roof of mouth to prevent airflow out of the balloon.
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: The aim of this Randomized control trial is to find out the comparative effects of muscle energy technique on iliotibial band versus hamstring and abdominal muscle activation in patients with non specific low back pain in improving pain intensity and functional disability. The sample size was 28. Subjects are randomly divided into two groups. 14 subjects in muscle energy technique group and 14 in hamstring and abdominal muscle activation group. Study duration was of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was Non probability purposive sampling. Subjects between the age group 18- 40 years with acute non specific low back were included. Tools used are Numeric pain rating scale and Oswestry disability index.

Detailed description: Non-specific low back pain is a mechanical pain of musculoskeletal origin in which symptoms vary with the nature of physical activities. It manifests as pain, muscle tension, or stiffness that is localized below the costal margin and above the inferior gluteal folds and is not attributed to a specific pathology with or without leg pain involvement. The lower back area, which extends from the end of the ribs to the start of the legs, feels tight, painful, and rigid.

A study conducted to investigate the immediate effects of MET of Quadratus Lamborum in chronic low back pain patients with functional leg length discrepancy. The outcomes of the study concluded that MET showed significant changes in pelvic alignment, leg length, pain, and fatigue. In a research conducted in 2020 to see the effectiveness of exercise with balloon and interferential therapy for pain and disability in low back pain in young adults . This study concluded that greater effect of 90/90 bridge with ball and balloon exercise on patients with mechanical low back pain. Individuals with low back pain often exhibit reduced hamstring muscle flexibility and altered pelvic range of motion as shortened and inflexible hamstring muscles can exert tension on the pelvis, leading to non-specific low back pain and disruptions in lumbar pelvic rhythm. Addressing hamstring flexibility is crucial for effective management of low back pain. Moreover, disturbances in the lower extremity kinematic chain, particularly involving the iliotibial band (ITB), can further impact pelvic biomechanics. Poor muscle coordination and decreased intrinsic postural muscle activity may compromise spinal stability in individuals with low back pain. The rationale of the present study is to find out the effectiveness of muscle energy technique on iliotibial band versus hamstring and abdominal muscles activation in non-specific low back pain patients, pain and disability. To compare the effectiveness of muscle energy technique on iliotibial band and hamstring and abdominal muscles activation in non-specific low back pain patients in improving pain intensity and functional disability.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Both gender
* Age between 18 to 40 years.
* Participants with acute non specific low back pain.
* Participants with postural low back pain.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants of age more than 40 years.
* Patients with history of lumbopelvic surgery.
* Having history of spinal or pelvic fracture, trauma of motor vehicle accident, fracture of lower extremity.
* Participants having systemic disease such as arthritis, TB, liver or kidney failure.
* Participants suffering from osteoporosis, psychiatric disorders, hematomas or abscesses.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Numeric pain rating scale
timeFrame: 3 weeks
measure: Modified Oswestry disability index
timeFrame: 3 weeks
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Gilgit
country: Pakistan
facility: PHQ hospital Gilgit
state: Gilgit Baltistan
Study officials:
affiliation: Riphah International University
name: Shamaila Yaqub
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
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