Effects of Muscle Energy Technique and Pilates Exercises on Pain and Physical Function in Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 72
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Pain Intensity
研究概览
简要总结
This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) and Pilates exercises on pain and physical function in individuals with nonspecific low back pain. A total of 72 participants aged between 20 and 50 years were recruited from the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: one group received Muscle Energy Techniques and the other group performed Pilates exercises. Each intervention session lasted 60 minutes, conducted four days per week for six weeks. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), while physical function was evaluated using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). The results were analyzed to determine the comparative effectiveness of the two interventions in reducing pain and improving functional ability among patients with nonspecific low back pain.
详细描述
Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting adults and is characterized by pain in the lumbar region without a specific underlying pathology such as disc herniation, fracture, or spinal stenosis. It can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life.
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are manual therapy procedures in which the patient actively contracts a muscle against a controlled resistance applied by the therapist, followed by relaxation and stretching to improve muscle flexibility and joint mobility. Pilates exercises are structured exercises designed to strengthen the core muscles, improve posture, increase flexibility, and enhance body awareness.
This randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques and Pilates exercises in reducing pain and improving physical function in individuals with nonspecific low back pain. Seventy-two participants were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups. Group A received Muscle Energy Techniques, while Group B performed Pilates exercises. Both groups underwent 60-minute treatment sessions, four times per week for six weeks.
Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and physical function was assessed using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27. Independent t-tests were used for between-group comparisons and repeated ANOVA was applied for within-group analysis.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Single (Participant)
盲法说明
Participants were not informed about the comparative purpose of the interventions to minimize bias.
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 20 Years 至 50 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Individuals aged 20-50 years
- •Both males and females
- •Pain lasting for at least 2-3 months
- •Pain score greater than 3 on Numeric Pain Rating Scale
- •Participants who had not received physiotherapy treatment for low back pain
排除标准
- •History of lumbar radiculopathy
- •Use of painkiller medications
- •Spinal pathologies such as prolapsed disc, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, vertebral fractures, or spinal infections
- •Systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, or malignancy
- •Pregnant women
- •Neurological conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis
- •Heart conditions or psychological disorders
研究组 & 干预措施
Muscle Energy Technique Group
Participants in this group received Muscle Energy Techniques including post-isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition techniques targeting the iliopsoas, quadratus lumborum, and erector spinae muscles. Each treatment session lasted 60 minutes and was conducted four times per week for six weeks.
干预措施: Muscle Energy Technique (Other)
Pilates Exercise Group
Participants in this group performed a structured Pilates exercise program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and postural control activities for 60 minutes per session, four times per week for six weeks.
干预措施: Pilates Exercises (Behavioral)
结局指标
主要结局
Pain Intensity
时间窗: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
次要结局
- Physical Function(Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention)
研究者
Muhammad Farooq
Doctor of Physical Therapy Student
University of Lahore