Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Elastic Resistance Versus Free Weight Training Of Gluteus Medius In Improving Pain, Strength, And Overall Gait Speed In Patients With Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Khyber Medical University Peshawar

Status: Completed

Conditions: Low Back Pain

Treatments: Procedure: Free Weight Exercises; Procedure: Conventional Training; Procedure: Elastic Resistance Training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06976242

KMU/DIR/CTU/2025/001

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of elastic resistance training and free weight training in strengthening the gluteus medius muscle among patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Weakness in the gluteus medius can contribute to pelvic instability and altered gait patterns, which may exacerbate low back pain. While both elastic resistance and free weight exercises are commonly used in rehabilitation, there is limited evidence comparing their relative benefits in this population. This study evaluates improvements in pain, muscle strength, and overall gait speed following each intervention. The findings will help guide clinicians in choosing the most effective and accessible strengthening method for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Full description

The gluteus medius plays a vital role in pelvic stabilization and maintaining proper gait mechanics. Dysfunction or weakness in this muscle is frequently associated with chronic non-specific low back pain, a condition affecting a significant proportion of the population. Rehabilitation strategies that target the gluteus medius are crucial for restoring lumbar-pelvic stability, optimizing functional movement, and reducing pain.

Free weight training, using equipment like dumbbells and barbells, is a traditional method to enhance muscle strength and improve neuromuscular coordination. However, it often requires proper supervision to avoid injury due to the need for controlled movements and joint stability. On the other hand, elastic resistance training, which employs tools like resistance bands or tubes, offers a safer, cost-effective, and portable alternative. It allows progressive resistance throughout the range of motion, matching the user's strength curve and facilitating home-based exercise programs.

This randomized controlled trial is designed to compare these two training modalities, which are elastic resistance versus free weights in terms of their effectiveness at improving gluteus medius strength, reducing low back pain, and enhancing gait speed in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. The trial includes baseline and post-intervention assessments using validated clinical tools for measuring pain, strength, and gait speed.

The goal is to determine which intervention yields greater clinical benefit and offers a more practical approach for implementation in therapeutic settings, especially for populations with limited access to conventional gym equipment. The findings could contribute valuable evidence to inform clinical decision-making in physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Enrollment: 36 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 30 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Age 30-60 years
2. Both males and females of any race and ethnicity
3. Musculoskeletal condition that affects the gluteus Medius of hip
4. MMT for gluteus medius is 3 or less than 3
5. chronic stage of nonspecific low back pain
6. Cognitively intact (mini mental scale) and able to walk 10 meters with or without support.
7. Volunteer participations.

Exclusion criteria

1. Post-surgical conditions like TKR, THR.
2. Any contraindication to exercise.
3. Female individuals who have muscular weakness due to pregnancy
4. Any neurological conditions (myopathies, neuropathies) causing muscular weakness
5. Chronic low back pain in which Gluteus Medius weakness is not measurable.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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36 participants in 2 patient groups

Elastic Resistance Training with Conventional Training

Experimental group

Description:

The participants in this group will receive elastic resistance training with conventional training. The intervention would be given 5 times per week on alternate days for 4 weeks. Each exercise session will be given in 2sets of 8 repetitions each set.

Treatment:

Procedure: Elastic Resistance Training

Procedure: Conventional Training

Free Weight Training along with Conventional Training

Active Comparator group

Description:

The participants in this group will receive free weight training along with conventional training. The intervention frequency will be the same as group A (5 times/week for 4 weeks). Each exercise session will be given in 2 sets of 8 repetitions each set.

Treatment:

Procedure: Conventional Training

Procedure: Free Weight Exercises