The Effects of Stretching Versus Static and Dynamic Cupping on Lumbar Range of Motion
- Conditions
- Stiffness; Spine
- Interventions
- Other: Static CuppingOther: Dynamic CuppingOther: Stretching
- Registration Number
- NCT04230850
- Lead Sponsor
- University of South Carolina
- Brief Summary
The objective of this study is to fill gaps in the literature regarding the effectiveness of cupping therapy on lumbar stiffness. Participants will be recruited from the University of South Carolina and from local clinics in Columbia, South Carolina. Individuals will be classified based on lumbar range of motion limitations, and then they will be equally dispersed into three treatment groups via stratified randomization. These groups include dynamic cupping, static cupping, or stretching. All participants will be assessed prior to selected treatment to obtain baseline values for four measures: back range of motion (BROM), pain pressure threshold (PPT), active straight leg raise (ASLR), and numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). Participants will be given each measure directly after treatment, followed by a follow-up measurement 24 hours after treatment.
- Detailed Description
Cupping therapy has become recently popular in Western culture due to affordability, lack of invasiveness, and low risk of adverse effects. However, there is insufficient evidence of the effectiveness on this treatment technique on decreasing pain and increasing range of motion. This project aims to help fill the gaps by using a larger sample size and clear methodology.
The aims of the study include to determine if both static and dynamic cupping therapy have a greater effect on BROM, PPT, ASLR, and NRPS as compared to stretching, and if any changes made are maintained to a different degree over a 24 hour period based on treatment. Additional aims of the study include to determine if there is a difference between type of cupping (static vs dynamic) on these four measures. By performing this study, scientific knowledge of cupping therapy will be improved and expanded, thus impacting how it is used in clinical practice.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 45
- 18 years or older, 50 degrees or less of lumbar flexion
- Cancer, organ failure, collagen disorders, deep vein thrombosis, pacemakers, bleeding disorders, recent fever
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Mildly Impaired Group Stretching This group will consist of participants with 35-50 degrees of lumbar flexion. Mildly Impaired Group Static Cupping This group will consist of participants with 35-50 degrees of lumbar flexion. Moderately Impaired Group Dynamic Cupping This group will consist of participants with 20-34 degrees of lumbar flexion. Mildly Impaired Group Dynamic Cupping This group will consist of participants with 35-50 degrees of lumbar flexion. Moderately Impaired Group Static Cupping This group will consist of participants with 20-34 degrees of lumbar flexion. Moderately Impaired Group Stretching This group will consist of participants with 20-34 degrees of lumbar flexion. Highly Impaired Group Static Cupping This group will consist of participants with less than 20 degrees of lumbar flexion. Highly Impaired Group Dynamic Cupping This group will consist of participants with less than 20 degrees of lumbar flexion. Highly Impaired Group Stretching This group will consist of participants with less than 20 degrees of lumbar flexion.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Back Range of Motion At baseline, immediately following treatment, 24-hour follow up The BROM instrument will be used to measure lumbar range of motion in individuals with lumbar stiffness at initial baseline, the change in range of motion immediately following treatment, and any maintained change at 24 hour follow up.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Pain Pressure Threshold At baseline, immediately following treatment, 24-hour follow up The Wagner Force Ten FDX Compact Digital Force Gauge hand-held digital algometer will be used to measure pain pressure threshold at initial baseline, the change in pain pressure threshold immediately following treatment, and any maintained change at 24 hour follow up.
Active Straight Leg Raise At baseline, immediately following treatment, 24-hour follow up The ASLR will be used to assess hamstring flexibility in individuals with lumbar stiffness at initial baseline, the change in hamstring flexibility immediately following treatment, and any maintained change at 24 hour follow up.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale At baseline, immediately following treatment, 24-hour follow up The Numeric Pain Rating Scale will be used to assess pain in individuals with lumbar stiffness at initial baseline, the change in pain immediately following treatment, and any maintained change in 24 hour follow up. Individuals will be asked to rate their current pain level on a scale of 0-10, with "0" representing no pain and "10" representing the worst pain imaginable.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
University of South Carolina
🇺🇸Columbia, South Carolina, United States