Clinical Research Directory

Core Strengthening Effects in Low Back Pain in Overweight Adults

Mechanical low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among overweight adults and can lead to pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. Weakness of the core muscles may contribute to poor spinal stability and persistence of symptoms. Core strengthening exercises have been proposed as an effective treatment; however, evidence regarding their additional benefit over conventional physical therapy remains limited. This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the effects of adding core strengthening exercises to conventional physical therapy in overweight adults with mechanical low back pain. Sixty participants aged 25-45 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² or greater and chronic mechanical low back pain lasting more than three months were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received core strengthening exercises (planks, side planks, and superman exercises) in addition to conventional physical therapy, while the control group received conventional physical therapy alone. Both groups also received therapeutic hot packs and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Participants attended three treatment sessions per week for six weeks. Primary outcomes included pain intensity measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), functional disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and body fat percentage measured using the Jackson-Pollock skinfold method. Outcomes were assessed before and after the six-week intervention. The study evaluated whether adding core strengthening exercises to conventional physical therapy provides greater improvements in pain, disability, and body fat percentage in overweight adults with mechanical low back pain.

Effect of Coordinated Locomotor Training on Lumbopelvic Stability and Pain in Runners With Mechanical Low Back Pain

Mechanical low back pain is a common problem among novice runners, often caused by poor control of the lumbopelvic region and weak core stability. Coordinated Locomotor Training is a neuromotor exercise approach that improves the coordination of arm and leg movements while activating trunk muscles. This study aims to determine whether Coordinated Locomotor Training improves lumbopelvic stability and reduces pain-related limitations in runners with mechanical low back pain compared to plyometric training. The study is a randomized controlled trial that will enroll 28 novice runners from universities in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive Coordinated Locomotor Training for 60 minutes per session, twice weekly, for 8 weeks. The other group will receive plyometric training for the same duration and frequency. Lumbopelvic stability will be measured using a pelvic inclinometer and a flexible ruler. Pain levels will be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Measurements will be taken before and after the 8-week intervention period. The investigators hypothesize that Coordinated Locomotor Training will lead to greater improvements in lumbopelvic stability and greater reductions in pain compared to plyometric training.

Effect of Open Chain Versus Closed Chain Segmental Control Exercises on CSA of Lumbar Multifidus Muscle in Chronic MLBP

To investigate the effect of adding open versus closed chain segmental control exercises to conventional treatment program on pain intensity, lumbar ROM, and CSA of multifidus muscle.

Measuring Reliability of Spine Mobilization in Low Back Pain

This observational study aims to learn how to measure joint motion and tissue response when pressure is applied to the back and examine how the nervous system responds to the applied pressure. This pressure or mobilization technique is a standard care but we currently do not have a method to measure this technique. Through this study, we hope to validate a tool that allows physical therapists to measure the pressure applied during spinal mobilization. Participants will be asked to: * Receive spinal mobilization * Participate in pain threshold testing * Answer questionnaires

Mobile App-Supported Exercise Program For Mechanical Low Back Pain

Mechanical low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting daily activities and quality of life. Home exercise programs are frequently recommended in the management of low back pain; however, adherence to these programs is often limited. Mobile health applications may enhance adherence by providing exercise demonstrations, reminders, and monitoring tools. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a mobile application-supported home exercise program on posture, balance, pain, and functional status in individuals with mechanical low back pain. Participants with chronic mechanical low back pain will be randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups will receive the same home exercise program. The control group will receive the exercises in printed format, while the experimental group will follow the program through the E-Exercise mobile application that includes exercise videos, reminders, and progress tracking. Participants will be evaluated before the intervention and after six weeks of exercise training. Outcome measures will include flexibility, posture, balance, pain intensity, and functional disability. The results of this study may contribute to improving adherence to home exercise programs and promoting the use of digital health technologies in physiotherapy practice.

Connective Tissue Dry Needling for Low Back Pain Related to Local Posterior Superior Iliac Spine Pain

This single-blind randomized controlled trial will aim to determine the effectiveness of a connective tissue dry needling (CTDN) technique, in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with chronic mechanical low back pain associated with pain and tenderness at the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). Forty participants with local PSIS-related low back pain will be recruited and randomly assigned into two groups using the block balanced randomization method. The treatment group will receive CTDN targeting connective tissue trigger points around the PSIS in addition to a sacroiliac joint stabilization exercise program, while the control group will perform the same exercise program alone under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The intervention protocol will span two weeks, during which participants will attend three treatment sessions per week, for a total of six sessions. The primary outcome measurement will use the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess pain intensity. The study will measure secondary outcomes through lumbar range of motion (ROM) in flexion and extension and pressure pain threshold (PPT), and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) functional disability and Short Form-36 (SF-36) health-related quality of life. The researchers will assess all outcomes at three time points: baseline and after the first session, and the sixth session, while VAS will receive an additional assessment at the 3-month follow-up. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence supporting CTDN as a safe, effective, and cost-efficient treatment option for PSIS-related mechanical low back pain.

Non-Thrust Lumbar and Sacral Mobilizations in Mechanical Low Back Pain

This study is a randomized controlled trial and the purpose of this study is to determined the effects of sacral mobilizations along with the lumbar mobilizations in mechanical low back pain on components such as pain , lumbar range of motion, lumbar proprioception and functional disability.

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

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.

Connective Tissue Massage and Core Training in Mechanical Low Back Pain

This randomized controlled study will investigate the effects of connective tissue massage combined with core stabilization exercises in patients with mechanical low back pain. Participants will be assigned to two groups: one will receive core stabilization exercises with connective tissue massage, while the other will receive only core stabilization exercises. Pain will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale, functionality will be assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index, and endurance will be measured with static and dynamic curl-up, static back endurance, and side bridge tests. Quality of life will be assessed with the SF-36, and instrumental daily living activities will be evaluated with the Lawton \& Brody Scale. The results will demonstrate whether adding connective tissue massage to core stabilization exercises will provide additional benefits in pain reduction, functional improvement, endurance, and quality of life compared to exercises alone.

Effect of Feldenkrais Method on Balance in Patients With Mechanical Low Back Pain

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if Feldenkrais method affects balance in patients with mechanical low back pain. The main questions it aims to answer is: does Feldenkrais method affects balance in patients with mechanical low back pain. Participants will: Be assessed for inclusion using slump and straight leg raise tests. Visit the clinic twice every week for sessions. Assessed pre and post treatment using Biodex Balance.

Effect of Bio-mechanical Awareness and Core Stability Exercises on Mechanical Low Back Pain

investigate the effect of bio-mechanical awareness and core stability exercises on mechanical low back pain among Egyptian Physiotherapists