Effect of Muscle Energy Technique on Latissimus Dorsi on Pain , Functional Disability and Range of Motion in Patients With Mechanical Low Back Pain

NCT ID: NCT07328126

Last Updated: 2026-01-08

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 32 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-01-25
• Study Completion Date: 2026-12-15

Brief Summary

Mechanical low back pain (LBP) stems from spinal structures or surrounding tissues, often caused by overuse or trauma, and is prevalent globally with high recurrence rates. Key contributing factors include biomechanical, psychological, and social elements. The latissimus dorsi (LD), along with other back muscles, plays a crucial role in lumbar stability via the thoracolumbar fascia. Stretching the LD has shown positive effects in reducing pain and improving function in chronic LBP patients. Physical therapy treatments include manual therapy, core stabilization, and flexibility exercises. Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), particularly targeting the LD, can enhance flexibility and spinal mobility when applied correctly.

Detailed Description

Mechanical low back pain (MLBP) originates from structural components of the spine, such as intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments, or joints, and is commonly caused by repetitive trauma, poor posture, or overuse. It is a leading cause of functional disability worldwide, with high recurrence rates. Physiotherapy plays a central role in managing MLBP by addressing contributing biological, psychological, and social factors. The latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, due to its anatomical connection with the pelvis via the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), significantly influences lumbar stability. Impaired extensibility or overactivity of the LD can contribute to mechanical dysfunction. Incorporating LD stretching into rehabilitation protocols has shown enhanced outcomes in pain reduction and functional improvement. Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), particularly Post Facilitation Stretching, utilize controlled muscle contractions to improve flexibility and relieve tension in shortened muscles. Proper application of MET targeting the LD has demonstrated effectiveness in increasing range of motion and supporting spinal stability in patients with chronic low back pain.

Conditions

Mechanical Low Back Pain

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Conservative physical therapy

Hot pack + TENS (10 min), followed by a structured program of warm-up, 20-minute core/back strengthening, stretching (hip flexors, hamstrings, lumbar extensors), and cool-down exercises.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Conservative physical therapy

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Hot pack + TENS (10 min), followed by a structured program of warm-up, 20-minute core/back strengthening, stretching (hip flexors, hamstrings, lumbar extensors), and cool-down exercises.

Post facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapy

Receives the same conservative physical therapy as the control group plus Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Energy Technique (isometric contraction for 10seconds, relaxation 2-3seconds, followed by 10seconds stretch, applied bilaterally each session).

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Post-facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapy

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Receives the same conservative physical therapy as the control group plus Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Energy Technique (isometric contraction for 10seconds, relaxation 2-3seconds, followed by 10seconds stretch, applied bilaterally each session).

Interventions

Conservative physical therapy

Hot pack + TENS (10 min), followed by a structured program of warm-up, 20-minute core/back strengthening, stretching (hip flexors, hamstrings, lumbar extensors), and cool-down exercises.

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Post-facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapy

Receives the same conservative physical therapy as the control group plus Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Energy Technique (isometric contraction for 10seconds, relaxation 2-3seconds, followed by 10seconds stretch, applied bilaterally each session).

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients had low back pain for more than 3 months Moderate disability (20 to 40 %) determined through Oswestry Disability Index Subjects with pain ranging 3 to 8 on NPRS Able to perform ROM of lumbar spine (flexion and extension) within range of pain Patient were not under any medical treatment (analgesics etc) both male and female

Exclusion Criteria

• presence of any red flags (i.e tumor , metabolic disease, rheumatoid arthritis , osteoporosis , history of use of steroids ) SLR test positive Muscle weakness or paralysis of lower extremity Prior surgery of lumbar spine and pregnancy Any psychological problem

• Minimum Eligible Age: 30 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 55 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Foundation University Islamabad

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Laraib Khurshid, DPT

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Foundation University Islamabad

Locations

Foundation University Islamabad

Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Site Status: RECRUITING

Countries

Pakistan

Central Contacts

Laraib Khurshid, DPT

Role: CONTACT

laraibhamza20@gmail.com

+923135965114

Facility Contacts

Ali Bin Asim, MS-SPT

Role: primary

ali.asim@fui.edu.pk

+923135088144

Other Identifiers

FUI/CTR/2025/07

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id