Diaphragmatic Release for Low Back Pain

Karabuk University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Diaphragm; Relaxation; Low Back Pain

Treatments: Other: Manual diaphragm release; Other: Control

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07298109

Low back pain-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, significantly affecting the quality of life of individuals. In non-specific low back pain, a lack of stabilization in the core region negatively impacts the performance of activities. The diaphragm forms the framework of the core region, and its dysfunction can contribute to both respiratory problems and low back pain. This study will investigate the effects of diaphragm relaxation, added to spinal stabilization exercises, on pain, disability, quality of life, central sensitization, and trunk muscle endurance.

Full description

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, limiting daily life activities, leading to loss of productivity, and significantly reducing quality of life. In non-specific low back pain, insufficient stabilization in the trunk region and inadequate activation of deep muscles reduce the effectiveness of functional movements and contribute to chronic pain. The diaphragm, a crucial component of trunk stability, plays a critical role not only in respiratory function but also in maintaining spinal stability through the regulation of intra-abdominal pressure. Dysfunction or insufficient relaxation of the diaphragm can lead to changes in breathing patterns, impaired postural control, and persistent low back pain.

Therefore, a better understanding of the diaphragm's role in low back pain mechanisms and its targeting in therapeutic interventions is becoming increasingly important. This study aims to investigate the effects of diaphragm relaxation techniques, applied in addition to spinal stabilization exercises, on pain intensity, disability level, quality of life, central sensitivity, and trunk muscle endurance.

Enrollment: 42 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Being between 18-65 years of age
• Having been diagnosed with chronic non-specific lower back pain (pain between the gluteal folds and the 12th ribs lasting at least 12 weeks and without a known pathoanatomical cause)
• Being willing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Psychological disorders, mental disorders, cancer, and severe depression
• History of primary or metastatic spinal malignancy or spinal fracture
• Neurological disease (Hemiplegia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, etc.)
• Having been diagnosed with advanced osteoporosis
• Having undergone previous surgery or had an acute infection in the lumbar region

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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42 participants in 2 patient groups

Treatment Group

Experimental group

Description:

In addition to spinal stabilization exercises, patients will undergo manual diaphragmatic release three times a week for eight weeks.

Treatment:

Other: Manual diaphragm release

Control Group

Other group

Description:

Patients in the control group will receive spinal stabilization exercises three times a week for eight weeks.

Treatment:

Other: Control