Post‑isometric relaxation versus post‑facilitation stretch for chronic low back pain
Official title: Effects of Post Isometric Relaxation Versus Post Facilitation Stretch Techniques on Pain, Mobility and Disability in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07026045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try two manual muscle‑stretching techniques—post‑isometric relaxation and post‑facilitation stretch—along with standard physical therapy in adults 18–45 with chronic low back pain to see which reduces pain and disability more.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 28, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | June 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07026045 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–45 with chronic low back pain (>3 months), NPRS pain >3 to ≤7 and ODI 14–50%, without neurological findings or recent surgery, are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with radiculopathy or other neurological symptoms, systemic soft tissue or bony disease, recent abdominal or back surgery, pregnancy, or outside the specified pain/disability ranges would likely not benefit or be eligible.
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 study will enroll 42 adults aged 18–45 with chronic low back pain at two Lahore clinics using convenient sampling and informed consent. Participants are randomized to receive either post‑isometric relaxation or post‑facilitation stretch in addition to standard physical therapy, with interventions delivered over four weeks. Primary outcomes are pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), lumbar mobility (inclinometer), and disability (Urdu Oswestry Disability Index) measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. Key exclusions include neurological signs, systemic musculoskeletal disease, recent abdominal or back surgery, pregnancy, and radiculopathy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding one of these simple manual techniques to standard physical therapy could reduce pain and disability in adults with chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small trials of manual techniques like post‑isometric relaxation and facilitation stretching have reported mixed but sometimes positive effects for low back pain, so this comparison builds on limited prior evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age of patient between 18 to 45 year * Both gender * (LBP) for more than 3 months * Diagnosis of Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) * Negative SLR, negative faber test, negative lumber quadrant * Lumber extension test positive, positive scobber test * Having low back pain below the costal margin and above inferior gluteal folds and suffering from low back pain * Disability level of more than 14% and less than 50% according to Oswestry questionnaire * NPRS score of \>3 to ≤7 Exclusion Criteria: * Chronic systemic soft tissue and bony disease * Any neurological symptoms involving Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc, Radiculopathy Back pain with trauma * History of recent abdominal, back surgeries and pregnancy
Where it's running
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Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Syed Shakil ur Rehman, PhD — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Syed Shakil ur Rehman, PhD
- Email: shakil.urrehman@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: +92 320 786661
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.