Effects of Muscle Energy Technique and Pilates Exercises on Pain and Physical Function in Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain

University of Lahore72 enrolled

Overview

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.

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Interventions

Muscle Energy TechniqueOTHER

Muscle Energy Technique is a manual therapy intervention where the patient performs voluntary muscle contractions against therapist resistance followed by stretching to improve muscle flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance joint mobility.

Pilates ExercisesBEHAVIORAL

Pilates exercises are structured physical exercises focusing on core muscle strengthening, flexibility, posture improvement, and body awareness to enhance functional movement and reduce musculoskeletal pain.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 50 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Exclusion Criteria: * 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

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pain Intensity

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).

Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

Secondary Outcomes

Physical Function

Physical function was measured using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), which includes 24 items assessing functional disability related to low back pain.