Instrument-assisted versus sound-assisted soft tissue mobilization for chronic non-specific low back pain
Therapeutic Effects of Instrument-assisted Versus Sound-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Among Patients With Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain
This test will try whether instrument-assisted or sound-assisted soft tissue mobilization together with exercise helps adults with chronic non-specific low back pain reduce pain and improve flexibility and function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Lahore, Punjab Province and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07244913 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with chronic non-specific low back pain of at least 24 weeks and moderate-to-severe pain will receive either instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) or sound-assisted soft tissue mobilization (SASTM) alongside an exercise program. The interventions aim to target fascial restrictions and adhesions using device-guided mechanical or sound feedback to guide treatment. Key outcomes include pain intensity, hamstring flexibility (straight leg raise), pelvic obliquity, and measures of physical function and disability assessed before and after the interventions. The protocol compares the two approaches to determine which produces greater short- and medium-term improvements in mobility and daily function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with chronic non-specific low back pain for at least 24 weeks, moderate-to-severe pain (>3/10), and limited straight-leg raise due to hamstring tightness who have no neurological deficits or excluded spinal disease are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with radiating leg symptoms or neurological deficits, identifiable spinal pathology (e.g., infection, tumor, high-grade spondylolisthesis, fractures), recent severe systemic disease, osteoporosis, SIJ dysfunction as excluded by the protocol, or on immunosuppression/steroids are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred technique could offer a simple clinic-based therapy to reduce pain, break soft-tissue adhesions, and improve flexibility and daily function.
How similar studies have performed: Some small studies of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization have shown short-term improvements, but direct comparisons with sound-assisted techniques are limited and not well established in larger or longer trials.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pain between the inferior gluteal folds and the costal margins. * Pain with a duration of a minimum of 24 weeks. * Moderate to severe pain (\>3) was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. * Straight Leg raise Limited (hamstring tightness) Exclusion Criteria: * Pain in lower back with radiating/referring but limited to proximal legs * Pain for the last 03 months and at least half of the days in the last six months. * Presence of neurological problem/deficit/disease (e.g., nerve root compression, motor deficit, paresthesia) and lower limb symptoms. * Presence of disease like Infection, tumors, spondylolisthesis grade II or higher, vertebral fractures, identifiable cause like endometriosis * Medicine like immunosuppression or steroid medication; * Spinal deformities * History of severe rheumatic, orthopedic, or cardiovascular disease in the last three months before study participation. * Previously diagnosed Osteoporosis * SIJ dysfunction is evaluated by a positive compression test. * BMI over 35. * Skin allergy or hypersensitivity that can lead to skin irritation due to IASTM/SASTM tools.
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province and 1 other locations
- Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
- Re Active Physio Clinic Lahore. — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tahir Mahmood PhD Scholar, Phd (PT)*
- Email: tahirmahmoodphysio@gmail.com
- Phone: +92 300 6741320
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.