Comparison of the Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Technique and Pilates Exercises in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Overview

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of adding Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) to Clinical Pilates in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP). Hypothesis: MRT combined with Pilates will lead to greater improvements in pain, functional disability, and soft tissue mobility compared to Pilates alone. Design \& Intervention: Randomized controlled trial. Participants (18-45 years) will be randomly assigned to: MRT + Clinical Pilates Clinical Pilates only for 6 weeks (2 sessions/week). Outcomes: Primary: Pain (VAS), ultrasonographic thickness (multifidus \& thoracolumbar fascia) Secondary: Disability (ODI), lumbar mobility, balance Eligibility: Adults with CNSLBP ≥3 months; excluding spinal surgery, rheumatic disease, and pregnancy.

Rationale Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is associated with structural changes in the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) and atrophy of the multifidus muscle. While Clinical Pilates enhances core stability, it may not adequately address myofascial densification. This study evaluates whether adding Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) to a Pilates program provides superior improvements in tissue morphology (TLF and multifidus thickness) and clinical outcomes compared to Pilates alone. Intervention Protocol A 6-week supervised program (2 sessions/week) will be conducted: Experimental Group: 20 minutes of manual MRT applied to the thoracolumbar region followed by a standardized Clinical Pilates session focusing on lumbopelvic stabilization. Control Group: Clinical Pilates program only (Core stabilization exercises: pelvic curls, bird-dog, planks). Ultrasonographic Assessment High-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasound will be used for objective analysis at the L3, L4, and L5 vertebral levels (2 cm lateral to the spinous processes): TLF Thickness: Measurement of the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia. Multifidus Muscle Thickness: Quantitative measurement of the multifidus muscle thickness and potential hypertrophy post-intervention. All measurements will be performed by a blinded assessor to ensure the objectivity of the data. Statistical Plan Comparison: Intra-group changes will be analyzed with Paired t-tests, and inter-group differences with Independent t-tests. Correlation: Pearson/Spearman tests will assess the relationship between ultrasonographic changes (TLF and multifidus thickness) and clinical improvements (VAS/ODI).