Effects Of Quadratus Lumborum Release on Respiratory Outcomes on Low Back Pain Patients

Not Applicable

Active, not recruiting

• Conditions: Low Back Pain

• Registration Number: NCT06928792
• Lead Sponsor: Riphah International University

Brief Summary

The aim of this research is to check the effects of Quadratus Lumborum (QL) release on respiratory function and pain levels in individuals with chronic low back pain. Randomized controlled trials done at Pakistan Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi and Rawal General \& Dental Hospital Islamabad. The sample size was 36. The subjects were divided into two groups, 18 subjects in the experimental group will receive muscle energy technique on quadratus lumborum along with conventional intervention for LBP and 18 in control group will only receive conventional intervention exercises for LBP. Study duration was of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was non probability connivance sampling technique. Only 30-60 years both males and females diagnosed with mechanical low back pain persist at least \>3 months. Tools used in the study of Numeric Pain rating scale (Pain assessment). Modified Oswestry Disability Index (m-ODI) (for ADLs in CLBP). Inclinometer (for ranges of lumber spine). Digital spirometer (for FEV1/FVC ratio). Inches Tap (For Chest Expansion) \& (For Quadratus lumborum length test). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

Detailed Description

The aim of this research is to check the effects of Quadratus Lumborum (QL) release on respiratory function and pain levels in individuals with chronic low back pain. Randomized controlled trials done at Pakistan Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi and Rawal General \& Dental Hospital Islamabad. The sample size was 36. The subjects were divided into two groups, 18 subjects in the experimental group will receive muscle energy technique on quadratus lumborum along with conventional intervention for LBP and 18 in control group will only receive conventional intervention exercises for LBP. Study duration was of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was non probability connivance sampling technique. Only 30-60 years both males and females diagnosed with mechanical low back pain persist at least \>3 months. Tools used in the study of Numeric Pain rating scale (Pain assessment). Modified Oswestry Disability Index (m-ODI) (for ADLs in CLBP). Inclinometer (for ranges of lumber spine). Digital spirometer (for FEV1/FVC ratio). Inches Tap (For Chest Expansion) \& (For Quadratus lumborum length test). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2025-01-07
• Study First Submitted: 2025-02-20
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-07
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-07
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-15
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-15
• Primary Completion: 2025-12-30
• Study Completion: 2026-01-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 36

Inclusion Criteria

1. Age 30-60 years.
2. Both Genders: Male and Female.
3. Diagnosed with mechanical low back pain persist at least >3 months.
4. Self-evaluation of the breathing questionnaire, SEBQ >11.
5. The patient exhibits decreased pulmonary functional volumes compared to the normal values, which include FEV, FVC,FEV₁/FVC
6. The Quadratus Lumborum length test in side-lying inches indicates QL shortening.
7. Patient with either unilateral or bilateral Quadratus lumborum tightness but intervention will be given on both sides.
8. Numeric Pain Rating > 3/10.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Diagnosed chronic respiratory disease (e.g., asthma, COPD, bronchitis).
2. Diagnosed non-mechanical low back pain (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, tumors).
3. Diagnosed lumbar spine surgery within the last 12 months.
4. Diagnosed significant neurological deficits.
5. Spinal injuries or other comorbidities.
6. Infection, trauma, pregnancy, fracture, or fall.
7. Unable to understand and follow the commands.
8. Unwillingness to comply with the follow-up schedule.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Digital spirometer.	baseline measurement to 2 weeks	Spirometry is a vital pulmonary function test used to assess lung health by measuring Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)
Numeric Pain rating scale.	baseline measurement to 2 weeks	It is the tool to measure pain intensity It ranges from 0 to 10. If the patient feels no pain, then 0 will be marked. 5 shows moderate pain and 10 will be marked if pain is most extreme ever felt by the patient.(10) The patients were asked to mark the point they felt their pain accordingly
Inches Tap (For Chest Expansion)	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session.	Chest expansion was measured in a standing position with elbows slightly flexed and hands on hips, using a non-stretchable inch tape at the 2nd intercostal space (ICS), 4th ICS, and xiphoid process. Participants performed maximal deep inspiration and expiration, and the difference was recorded.
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)	baseline measurement to 2 weeks.	Unidimensional, nine-item self-reported questionnaire designed to assess the severity and impact of fatigue on daily functioning and quality of life over the past week. Participants rate each item on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree), with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity. The total score is calculated by summing the individual item scores, resulting in a range from 9 to 63, with a score of ≥36 indicating significant fatigue.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Inclinometer for Lumbar Side Bending (Rt)	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session	The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs movements for right-side bending.
Inclinometer for Lumbar Side Bending (Lt)	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session	The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs left-side bending.
Inclinometer for Lumbar Rotation (Rt)	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session	The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs right rotation at lumbar
Inclinometer for Lumbar Rotation (Lt)	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session	The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture.The patient then performs Left rotation at lumbar.
Inclinometer for Lumbar Flexion.	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session	The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs forward bending.
Inclinometer for Lumbar Extension.	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session	The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs lumbar extension.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Rawal Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences; 🇵🇰 Islamabad, Punjab, Pakistan