Post Isometric Relaxation Versus Post Facilitation Stretch Techniques in Chronic Low Back Pain

NCT ID: NCT07026045

Last Updated: 2025-06-18

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

42 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-05-01

Study Completion Date

2025-09-28

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic and Spinacure clinic in Lahore over a 9-month period. A sample size of 42 participants, aged 18 to 45, will be selected using convenient sampling. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Participants will be divided into two groups: Group A will receive Post-Isometric Relaxation in addition to standard physical therapy, while Group B will receive Post-Facilitation Stretch in addition to standard physical therapy. Outcome measures, including the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, inclinometer for mobility assessment, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) Urdu version for disability, will be assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks. Inclusion criteria include patients with CLBP aged 18-45 years, with pain levels between \>3 and \<7 on the NPRS, and an ODI score between 14% and 50%. Exclusion criteria include any neurological symptoms, systemic soft tissue and bony disease, and previous spinal surgeries. Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS 25.0.

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the primary causes of physical impairment globally, affecting a significant portion of the population. It is associated with a high rate of absenteeism from work and substantial healthcare costs due to its pervasive nature. Chronic low back pain (CLBP), specifically, is a condition where pain is localized in the lumbar region and persists for more than 12 weeks. In contrast to acute low back pain, which typically resolves within six weeks, CLBP is characterized by a complex interplay of physical, psychological, and social factors that contribute to its persistence and chronicity .

Compared to other diseases, it is the primary cause of medical consultations, affects quality of life and performance at work, and occurs in a proportion that is similar in all cultures and ethnicities. Over 20% of people globally suffer from chronic LBP, and 24-80% of individuals experience a relapse during the first year. The prevalence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) in Pakistan is a significant health concern. A national survey conducted in 2021 found that 18% of individuals experiencing chronic pain reported low back pain as their primary complaint. This survey, involving 4,801 participants, highlighted the substantial impact of CLBP on daily life and the need for better pain management and awareness among patients (Journal of the Medical Association).

Management of CLBP typically involves a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Pharmacological interventions include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and analgesics to manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, antidepressants and anticonvulsants are prescribed for their pain-modulating effects. Non-pharmacological approaches are crucial for improving mobility and function. Physical therapy, including exercise programs designed to strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility, plays a vital role in rehabilitation. Manual therapy techniques, such as spinal manipulation and massage, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address the psychological aspects of chronic pain are also important. Lifestyle modifications, such as weight management, ergonomic adjustments, and activity modifications, are essential components of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent and serious problem that affects millions of people, disrupting their daily activities and quality of life. To manage this condition effectively, strategies that reduce pain, improve movement, and lessen disability are needed. Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) and Post Facilitation Stretch (PFS) are two techniques that can help with these goals. This study aims to compare the effects of PIR and PFS on pain, mobility, and disability in patients with CLBP. By finding out which method is more effective, clinicians can choose better treatments, improve patient outcomes, create better treatment guidelines, and enhance the quality of life for those suffering from chronic low back pain. This approach can also help lower healthcare costs by reducing the need for more invasive treatments and long-term medication use.

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Low Back Pain

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Participants Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

Review each arm or cohort in the study, along with the interventions and objectives associated with them.

Group A

Post isometric relaxation (Lewit,s)

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Post isometric relaxation (Lewit,s)

Intervention Type OTHER

Post-isometric relaxation technique for the erector spinae, Iliopsoas, Quadratus Lumborum

Group B

Post facilitation stretch (Janda's technique)

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Post-Facilitation Stretch Technique (Janda's technique)

Intervention Type OTHER

Post-Facilitation Stretch Technique for the erector spinae, Iliopsoas, Quadratus Lumborum

Interventions

Learn about the drugs, procedures, or behavioral strategies being tested and how they are applied within this trial.

Post isometric relaxation (Lewit,s)

Post-isometric relaxation technique for the erector spinae, Iliopsoas, Quadratus Lumborum

Intervention Type OTHER

Post-Facilitation Stretch Technique (Janda's technique)

Post-Facilitation Stretch Technique for the erector spinae, Iliopsoas, Quadratus Lumborum

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

* Age of patient between 18 to 45 year
* Both gender
* (LBP) for more than 3 months
* Diagnosis of Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)
* Negative SLR, negative faber test, negative lumber quadrant
* Lumber extension test positive, positive scobber test
* Having low back pain below the costal margin and above inferior gluteal folds and suffering from low back pain
* Disability level of more than 14% and less than 50% according to Oswestry questionnaire
* NPRS score of \>3 to ≤7

Exclusion Criteria

* Chronic systemic soft tissue and bony disease
* Any neurological symptoms involving Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc, Radiculopathy Back pain with trauma
* History of recent abdominal, back surgeries and pregnancy
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

45 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

Meet the organizations funding or collaborating on the study and learn about their roles.

Riphah International University

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

Identify the individual or organization who holds primary responsibility for the study information submitted to regulators.

Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Learn about the lead researchers overseeing the trial and their institutional affiliations.

Syed Shakil ur Rehman, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Riphah International University

Locations

Explore where the study is taking place and check the recruitment status at each participating site.

Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

Review the countries where the study has at least one active or historical site.

Pakistan

Central Contacts

Reach out to these primary contacts for questions about participation or study logistics.

Syed Shakil ur Rehman, PhD

Role: CONTACT

+92 320 786661

Facility Contacts

Find local site contact details for specific facilities participating in the trial.

Syed Shakil ur Rehman, PhD

Role: primary

+92 320 7866611

References

Explore related publications, articles, or registry entries linked to this study.

van Tulder MW, Koes BW, Bouter LM. Conservative treatment of acute and chronic nonspecific low back pain. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of the most common interventions. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1997 Sep 15;22(18):2128-56. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199709150-00012.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 9322325 (View on PubMed)

Amjad MA, Siddiqui AM, Bashir K, Ghafoor AU, Durrani RS. Prevalence of chronic pain in Pakistan - a national survey. J Pak Med Assoc. 2023 Jun;73(6):1217-1220. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.6671.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 37427618 (View on PubMed)

Koes BW, van Tulder MW, Thomas S. Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain. BMJ. 2006 Jun 17;332(7555):1430-4. doi: 10.1136/bmj.332.7555.1430. No abstract available.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 16777886 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

Review additional registry numbers or institutional identifiers associated with this trial.

Rao Irfan- REC/RCR&AHS 24/0136

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

More Related Trials

Additional clinical trials that may be relevant based on similarity analysis.