Comparing Graston and Active Release Techniques for Low Back Pain in Women

Effects of Graston Versus Active Release Technique on Hamstring Flexibility, Pain and Disability in Females With Non Specific Low Back Pain

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT06877767

This study is testing whether the Graston Technique or Active Release Technique works better to relieve low back pain in women aged 25 to 50.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Sialkot, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT06877767 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two soft tissue manipulation techniques, Graston Technique (GT) and Active Release Technique (ART), in treating non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) in females aged 25 to 50. The study will involve 40 participants who will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups. Both techniques are designed to alleviate pain and improve flexibility by targeting tight hamstring muscles, which are often associated with low back pain. The outcomes will be assessed using pain scales and disability indices to determine which method is more effective in reducing symptoms and improving mobility.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are females aged 25 to 50 with a history of non-specific low back pain lasting at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with acute pain, severe underlying conditions, or recent injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for women suffering from non-specific low back pain.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on soft tissue techniques for low back pain, this specific comparison of Graston and Active Release Techniques is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Females with Non Specific Low Back Pain
* Age group between 25 and 50 years
* History of NSLBP for at least 3 months
* Popliteal angle Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score of 3-7/10
* The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score of 20-60
* Patients agree to sign written consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute onset of pain and pain with radiation below knee.
* Any history of injury in the lower extremity in the past three months.
* Constant or persistent severe pain, inflammatory conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)
* participants must not be taking any treatment of a musculoskeletal nature.
* Any previous surgery around the knee and hip
* hamstrings injury and strains
* Pregnant females
* Allergy to hot pack

Where this trial is running

Sialkot, Punjab Province

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Low Back Paindisability evaluationfemaleslow back painpain assessmentRange of motionSoft tissue
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.