This randomized controlled study will compare the effects of ischemic compression combined with exercise, low-level laser therapy combined with exercise, and sham low-level laser therapy combined with exercise in adults with subacute or chronic myofascial low back pain. Participants will be assigned to one of three treatment groups. Outcomes will include pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and disability measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and at a 1-month follow-up.
This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate and compare three physical therapy interventions for adults with subacute or chronic myofascial low back pain. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: ischemic compression combined with exercise, low-level laser therapy combined with exercise, or sham low-level laser therapy combined with exercise. The study will evaluate changes in pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and low back pain-related disability. Outcome measures will include the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Measurements will be obtained at baseline, after 3 weeks of treatment, after 6 weeks of treatment, and at a 1-month follow-up.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
45
Ischemic compression will be applied to identified myofascial trigger points in the lumbar region in combination with the prescribed exercise program.
Low-level laser therapy will be applied to identified myofascial trigger points in the lumbar region in combination with the exercise program according to the study protocol.
Participants will perform a standardized therapeutic exercise program designed to improve lumbar mobility, flexibility, strength, and functional performance according to the study protocol.
The laser probe will be applied to identified lumbar myofascial trigger points in the same manner and for the same duration as active low-level laser therapy, but with the laser power deactivated and no laser energy delivered.
Attia Rehabilitation Pt Pc
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Pain Intensity Measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), with scores ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 represents no pain and 10 represents the worst imaginable pain. Lower scores indicate less pain.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 1-month follow-up
Functional Disability Measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Functional disability related to low back pain will be assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The ODI score ranges from 0% to 100%, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 1-month follow-up
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
Pressure pain threshold will be assessed using a pressure algometer over identified myofascial trigger points in the lumbar region. Higher PPT values indicate greater pressure tolerance and reduced mechanical pain sensitivity.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 1-month follow-up
Global Rating of Change (GROC)
Perceived overall change in health status will be assessed using the Global Rating of Change (GROC), a single-item patient-reported measure ranging from worsening to improvement. Higher scores indicate greater perceived improvement.
Time frame: 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 1-month follow-up
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