Muscle energy stretching of the latissimus dorsi for mechanical low back pain
Effect of Muscle Energy Technique on Latissimus Dorsi on Pain , Functional Disability and Range of Motion in Patients With Mechanical Low Back Pain
This test tries adding a targeted muscle energy stretch of the latissimus dorsi to standard physical therapy to reduce pain and improve function in adults with chronic mechanical low back pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rawalpindi, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07328126 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional trial compares conservative physical therapy alone with conservative physical therapy plus a post-facilitation muscle energy technique targeting the latissimus dorsi in people with mechanical low back pain lasting more than three months. Outcomes include pain intensity (NPRS), functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index), and lumbar range of motion. Participants meeting clinical inclusion and exclusion criteria attend the single study site for treatment sessions and outcome measurements. The protocol focuses on improving muscle extensibility and spinal mobility through manual techniques integrated into a rehabilitation program.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with mechanical low back pain for more than three months, moderate disability (Oswestry 20–40%), pain rated 3–8/10, able to perform lumbar flexion/extension within their pain limits, and not currently on analgesic treatment.
Not a fit: People with red-flag conditions (for example tumor, metabolic disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or recent steroid use), a positive straight-leg-raise, lower-extremity muscle weakness, prior lumbar surgery, pregnancy, or major psychological problems are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the added muscle energy technique could reduce pain, increase lumbar range of motion, and improve daily function for people with chronic mechanical low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies and clinical reports suggest latissimus dorsi stretching and muscle energy techniques can reduce pain and improve mobility in chronic low back pain, but larger confirmatory trials are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients had low back pain for more than 3 months Moderate disability (20 to 40 %) determined through Oswestry Disability Index Subjects with pain ranging 3 to 8 on NPRS Able to perform ROM of lumbar spine (flexion and extension) within range of pain Patient were not under any medical treatment (analgesics etc) both male and female Exclusion Criteria: * presence of any red flags (i.e tumor , metabolic disease, rheumatoid arthritis , osteoporosis , history of use of steroids ) SLR test positive Muscle weakness or paralysis of lower extremity Prior surgery of lumbar spine and pregnancy Any psychological problem
Where this trial is running
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province
- Foundation University Islamabad — Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laraib Khurshid, DPT — Foundation University Islamabad
- Study coordinator: Laraib Khurshid, DPT
- Email: laraibhamza20@gmail.com
- Phone: +923135965114
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.