Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 25 to 50

Autogenic inhibition versus reciprocal inhibition for lower cross syndrome

Official title: Effects of Autogenic Inhibition Versus Reciprocal Inhibition in Individuals With Lower Cross Syndrome

Run by Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07526051 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial tests whether autogenic inhibition or reciprocal inhibition techniques better reduce pain and improve function in adults aged 25–50 with lower cross syndrome.

More Upper Cross Syndrome trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages25 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
Enrollment72 (estimated)
SponsorFoundation University Islamabad
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Islamabad, Punjab Province)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 20, 2026
Main results expectedJuly 1, 2026
Study endsJuly 15, 2026
Registry record updatedMay 20, 2026
Trial IDNCT07526051 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are men and women age 25–50 with chronic (more than 2 months) low back pain and four positive screening tests consistent with lower cross syndrome.

Probably not a fit

Patients with conditions excluded from the trial—such as osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, recent fractures, congenital hip dysplasia, pregnancy—or those outside the 25–50 age range or with milder pain may not benefit from the study interventions.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with clinically identified lower cross syndrome were randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: Group A received autogenic inhibition (proprioceptive facilitation/PNF-style) techniques aimed at lengthening chronically shortened muscles, and Group B received reciprocal inhibition techniques with the same goal. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention included pain by VAS, functional disability by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), muscular strength using a sphygmomanometer, and lumbar and hip range of motion using inclinometer and goniometer. Participants met screening criteria including four positive clinical tests and chronic low back pain >2 months, while those with osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, recent fractures, congenital hip dysplasia, or pregnancy were excluded. The interventions were delivered in-person at a single center and compared to determine which technique produces greater improvements in symptoms and mobility.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the better-performing technique could offer a simple, noninvasive way to reduce pain and improve strength and range of motion for people with lower cross syndrome.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research on PNF-style autogenic techniques and reciprocal inhibition has shown modest improvements in range of motion and pain for musculoskeletal conditions, but direct comparisons specifically in lower cross syndrome are limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Both Males and Females will be included in our study Age 25-50 years Four positive screening tests (Thomas Test, Abdominal Strength Test, Glutues Maximus Test, Ely's Test) chronic Pain in lower Back Region (\>3 on VAS) lasting for more than 2 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Osteoporosis Congenital Hip Dysplasia History of Fracture History of Inflammatory Arthritis Pregnancy

Where it's running

  • Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
    Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.