Effects Of Quadratus Lumborum Release on Respiratory Outcomes on Low Back Pain Patients

Riphah International University

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Low Back Pain

Treatments: Other: Control: group B (conventional intervention exercises); Other: Experimental interventional group A, (MET).

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06928792

REC/02134 Suleman

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this research is to check the effects of Quadratus Lumborum (QL) release on respiratory function and pain levels in individuals with chronic low back pain. Randomized controlled trials done at Pakistan Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi and Rawal General & Dental Hospital Islamabad. The sample size was 36. The subjects were divided into two groups, 18 subjects in the experimental group will receive muscle energy technique on quadratus lumborum along with conventional intervention for LBP and 18 in control group will only receive conventional intervention exercises for LBP. Study duration was of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was non probability connivance sampling technique. Only 30-60 years both males and females diagnosed with mechanical low back pain persist at least >3 months. Tools used in the study of Numeric Pain rating scale (Pain assessment). Modified Oswestry Disability Index (m-ODI) (for ADLs in CLBP). Inclinometer (for ranges of lumber spine). Digital spirometer (for FEV1/FVC ratio). Inches Tap (For Chest Expansion) & (For Quadratus lumborum length test). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

Full description

The aim of this research is to check the effects of Quadratus Lumborum (QL) release on respiratory function and pain levels in individuals with chronic low back pain. Randomized controlled trials done at Pakistan Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi and Rawal General & Dental Hospital Islamabad. The sample size was 36. The subjects were divided into two groups, 18 subjects in the experimental group will receive muscle energy technique on quadratus lumborum along with conventional intervention for LBP and 18 in control group will only receive conventional intervention exercises for LBP. Study duration was of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was non probability connivance sampling technique. Only 30-60 years both males and females diagnosed with mechanical low back pain persist at least >3 months. Tools used in the study of Numeric Pain rating scale (Pain assessment). Modified Oswestry Disability Index (m-ODI) (for ADLs in CLBP). Inclinometer (for ranges of lumber spine). Digital spirometer (for FEV1/FVC ratio). Inches Tap (For Chest Expansion) & (For Quadratus lumborum length test). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

Enrollment: 36 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 30 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Age 30-60 years.
2. Both Genders: Male and Female.
3. Diagnosed with mechanical low back pain persist at least >3 months.
4. Self-evaluation of the breathing questionnaire, SEBQ >11.
5. The patient exhibits decreased pulmonary functional volumes compared to the normal values, which include FEV, FVC,FEV₁/FVC
6. The Quadratus Lumborum length test in side-lying inches indicates QL shortening.
7. Patient with either unilateral or bilateral Quadratus lumborum tightness but intervention will be given on both sides.
8. Numeric Pain Rating > 3/10.

Exclusion criteria

1. Diagnosed chronic respiratory disease (e.g., asthma, COPD, bronchitis).
2. Diagnosed non-mechanical low back pain (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, tumors).
3. Diagnosed lumbar spine surgery within the last 12 months.
4. Diagnosed significant neurological deficits.
5. Spinal injuries or other comorbidities.
6. Infection, trauma, pregnancy, fracture, or fall.
7. Unable to understand and follow the commands.
8. Unwillingness to comply with the follow-up schedule.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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36 participants in 2 patient groups

Experimental: interventional group A: Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Experimental group

Description:

10 min hot pack application, followed by MET on the Quadratus Lumborum (3 reps with a 7s hold). Flexibility exercises include William flexion with b/L knee-to-chest stretches (10s hold, repeated 10 times) and static stretching of the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and IT band (5 reps, 5s hold). Strengthening exercises comprise isometric hip flexor activation (5 reps with a 15s hold), side planks (3 reps, 30s hold), and static side bending (5 reps, 10s hold). The intervention will be performed once daily, consisting of 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to enhance flexibility, core stability, and muscular balance, ultimately contributing to pain relief and improved functional mobility in CLBP patients

Treatment:

Other: Experimental interventional group A, (MET).

Control :interventional group B: (conventional intervention exercises)

Active Comparator group

Description:

10-minute hot pack application, followed by William flexion with bilateral knee-to-chest stretches (10s hold, reps 10 times). Flexibility exercises consist of static stretching for the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliotibial band (5 reps with a 5s hold). Strengthening exercises include isometric hip flexor activation (5 reps with a 15s hold), side planks (3 reps with a 30s hold), and static side bending (5 reps with a 10s hold). The protocol will be performed once daily, with 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to improve flexibility, core stability, and pain management in CLBP patients.

Treatment:

Other: Control: group B (conventional intervention exercises)