Diaphragm release to reduce low back pain

Investigating the Effectiveness of Diaphragmatic Release in Patients With Low Back Pain.

NA · Karabuk University · NCT07298109

This trial will test whether adding manual diaphragm relaxation to core stabilization exercises helps adults with chronic non-specific low back pain have less pain and better function.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment42 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorKarabuk University (other)
Locations1 site (Karabük)
Trial IDNCT07298109 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional trial enrolls adults aged 18-65 with chronic non-specific low back pain and compares spinal stabilization exercises alone to the same exercises plus manual diaphragm release. Participants will receive the assigned interventions and be monitored for changes in pain intensity, disability, quality of life, central sensitization, and trunk muscle endurance. Outcomes are measured using standard clinical and patient-reported instruments over the course of the intervention. The goal is to determine whether targeting the diaphragm adds measurable benefit to a stabilization program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–65 with chronic non-specific low back pain (pain between the gluteal folds and the 12th ribs for at least 12 weeks) who are willing to participate are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with specific spinal pathology (e.g., spinal malignancy, fracture), major neurological disease, advanced osteoporosis, recent lumbar surgery or acute lumbar infection, or severe psychiatric disorders are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding diaphragm relaxation could lessen pain and disability and improve quality of life and trunk muscle endurance for people with chronic non-specific low back pain.

How similar studies have performed: Some small clinical and biomechanical studies suggest diaphragm-targeted techniques can improve breathing and trunk stability, but clinical evidence specifically adding diaphragm release to stabilization programs for low back pain is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being between 18-65 years of age
* Having been diagnosed with chronic non-specific lower back pain (pain between the gluteal folds and the 12th ribs lasting at least 12 weeks and without a known pathoanatomical cause)
* Being willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Psychological disorders, mental disorders, cancer, and severe depression
* History of primary or metastatic spinal malignancy or spinal fracture
* Neurological disease (Hemiplegia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, etc.)
* Having been diagnosed with advanced osteoporosis
* Having undergone previous surgery or had an acute infection in the lumbar region

Where this trial is running

Karabük

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Low Back Pain, Diaphragm, Relaxation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.