This study was done to compare the effect of instrumental-assisted soft tissue mobilization versus the effect of myofascial release on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, back function, and back range of motion in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.
Low back pain affects 20% of the workforce annually, leading to increased work absenteeism. Chronic non specific low back pain restricts functional and occupational activities, impacting society and the economy. Treatment is often unsatisfactory, and there is no consensus on the optimal approach. Further scientific research is needed to understand the effects of facial tissue manipulation on Chronic non specific low back pain patients. The literature has not addressed the distinctions between myofascial force transmission instrumental assisted soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release on Chronic non specific low back pain patients, which could help physical therapists find effective treatments. This study is the first to include pain, Pressure pain threshold, back function, and range of motion as outcome measures and compare instrumental assisted soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release in Chronic non specific low back pain patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
66
The group will undergo Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization using M2Tblade, applying it for 40-120 seconds until hyperemia occurs. After treatment, ice packs will be applied for 5 minutes to reduce hyperemia. The therapist will ensure comfort through continuous communication and reporting any discomfort.
The therapist will use a cross-hand release technique to release the lumbar spine, ensuring the patient is prone and suitable. They will lean into the patient to the tissue depth barrier, wait, and follow each release, avoiding force or slipping. The technique will be applied for 5 minutes on each side.
the Outpatient Clinic of the Police Authority Hospital
Cairo, Egypt
RECRUITINGAssessing the change of pain intensity using visual analogue scale
The visual analogue scale is a reliable tool for assessing chronic musculoskeletal pain, including chronic low back pain, with high correlations with verbal descriptive and numeric rating scales. It is a 10-cm line marked with no pain and severe pain, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 weeks
Assessing the change of pressure pain threshold using the pressure algometer
A 1-cm diameter disk with a calibrated dial gauge is used to measure soft tissue tenderness on myofascial trigger points. The force applied to the point gradually increases, and patients are instructed to stop the algometry when experiencing a painful sensation. The force in Pascal is then read from the display.
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 weeks
Assessing the change of flexion range of motion of the lumbar spine using the back range of motion device
The back range of motion II uses two Universal Inclinometers to measure range of motion to the spine, eliminating errors associated with stand-alone inclinometers. The investigator uses these inclinometers for flexion measurements, with the patient in an upright position. The therapist palpates and marks S1 and T12 on bare skin, centers the inclinometers, zeros them, and records the readings after the patient flexes forward.
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 weeks
Assessing the change of extension range of motion of the lumbar spine using the back range of motion device
The back range of motion II uses two Universal Inclinometers to measure range of motion to the spine, eliminating errors associated with stand-alone inclinometers. The investigator uses these inclinometers for extension measurements, with the patient in an upright position. The therapist will repeat flexion protocol for extension having the patient extends back for full extension and will record the value
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Patients will undergo a 12-session exercise program for 6 weeks, consisting of straight leg raising, bridging exercise, prone hip extension exercise, and abdominal curl exercise. The exercises will be done 3 sets, 10 repetitions each, with 1 minute rest between each set. The abdominal curl exercises involve supine or hook-lying positions with the lumbar spine neutral, with the patient performing a drawing in maneuver to stabilize the abdominal muscles. The progression involves lifting the shoulders, changing arm positions, and holding a weight or medicine ball. The patient's position is hook-lying, maintaining a neutral spinal position.
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 weeks
Assessing the change of lateral flexion range of motion of the lumbar spine using the back range of motion device
The therapist will position the patient against a wall to prevent bending during lateral flexion measurements. The back range of motion unit will be adjusted until the inclinometer reads zero. For right lateral flexion, the patient will slide their hand down their leg while keeping their legs straight.
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 weeks
Assessing the change of rotation range of motion of the lumbar spine using the back range of motion device
The therapist will place the back range of motion unit, so the unit's feet are in line with T12. The therapist will hold the center of the unit firmly against the patient's back and zero the compass. The therapist will have the patient slowly turn the shoulders to either side, making sure they go to full range and record the reading
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 weeks
Assessing the change of back function using the 5) The Arabic version of Oswestry Disability Index
The Oswestry Disability Index is a self-reported questionnaire with 10 questions assessing daily living activities in patients with low back pain. The questions range from pain intensity to personal care and are scored on a 6-item Likert scale. The Arabic version of the oswestry disability index has good intra-observer reliability and good construct validity, with strong correlations with the visual analogue scale pain scale, Roland-Morris Low Back Pain Disability, and Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale.
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 weeks