Does adding Myofascial Release to Clinical Pilates help chronic low back pain more than Pilates alone?

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial compares two 6-week interventions for adults aged 18-45 with chronic non-specific low back pain. One group receives 20 minutes of Myofascial Release Technique to the thoracolumbar region, followed by Clinical Pilates; the control group does Clinical Pilates only. Primary outcomes are pain (VAS) and ultrasound measures of tissue thickness (thoracolumbar fascia and multifidus). Secondary outcomes include disability (Oswestry Disability Index), lumbar mobility, and balance. Assessments include blinded ultrasound measurements at L3-L5 and standard statistical analyses to compare intra- and inter-group changes after the program.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Chronic non-specific low back pain lasting at least 3 months
* No clinical signs of nerve root compression or neurological deficit
* Aged 18-45 years
* No physical therapy or manual therapy for low back pain in the last 1 month
* Pain intensity of at least 3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in the last week
* Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Systemic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions limiting exercise participation
* Lumbar radiculopathy or severe spinal pathology
* History of lumbar spine surgery
* Unhealed fracture or recent surgical intervention
* Rheumatologic or inflammatory diseases
* Neurological disorders affecting movement or balance
* Participation in any physiotherapy or rehabilitation program in the last 6 months
* Pregnancy or postpartum period within the last 6 months

Where it's running

• Bahçeşehir University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Laboratory
  Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Zerrin Yılmaz, MSc
• Email: zerrin.yilmaz@ou.bau.edu.tr
• Phone: +905349279167

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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.