Immediate Effect of Lumbar Mobilization on Back Muscle Stiffness

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 crossover study will examine the immediate impact of Maitland Grade III++ central posteroanterior lumbar mobilization on the stiffness of the erector spinae and multifidus muscles. Participants will undergo two visits in random order: one with active lumbar mobilization at L4 and one with a sham, each lasting three 60-second sets with short rests. Muscle stiffness will be measured by shear wave elastography before and after each intervention, using three measurements per condition. The goal is to see if targeted spinal mobilization can transiently alter paraspinal muscle stiffness in healthy individuals.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women aged 21 to 38 years.
* Resident of the Republic of Slovenia.
* No current low back pain.
* No contraindications to lumbar manual mobilization.
* Ability to assume and maintain the required prone testing position.
* Provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current low back pain.
* Spondylolisthesis.
* Severe osteoporosis.
* Spinal stenosis.
* Lumboischialgia or other significant structural spinal deformity.
* Fibromyalgia.
* Recent spinal surgery or lumbar spinal fixation.
* Cauda equina syndrome.
* Nerve root compression associated with neurological deficits.
* Malignancy.
* Recent relevant trauma.
* Joint instability.
* Active rheumatoid arthritis.
* Acute local or systemic infection.
* Long-term local corticosteroid use.
* Inability to assume or maintain the required testing position.

Where it's running

• University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola
  Izola, Slovenia Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Žiga Kozinc, PhD
• Email: ziga.kozinc@s2p.si
• Phone: 040161503

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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.