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NCT Number: NCT06976242

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Low Back Pain Back Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

30 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Rehman Medical Institute

Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 25000, Pakistan

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

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

Exclusion criteria

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

Treatment and study plan

Elastic Resistance Training

Procedure

The type of resistance exercises in which the participants use the Thera Band of yellow and red colours (weight about 2-2.5 kg with full elongation) for resistance training

Other names: Resistance Band Training, Theraband Exercise

Free Weight Exercises

Procedure

The type of resistance exercises in which the participants use weight cuffs (weight 2-2.5 kg) tied to their lower leg for resistance training

Conventional training

Procedure

The conventional training includes side-lying hip abductions, standing weighted abductions, and lateral step-ups exercises.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks post-intervention

    Pain will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), a self-reported 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).

  2. Change in Gluteus Medius Muscle Strength

    Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks post-intervention

    Muscle strength will be measured using a manual muscle testing to assess isometric strength of the gluteus medius. A system of manually testing weakness of muscles by assuming different positions and performing movements against gravity or gravity eliminated depending on the strength of the and 5 indicates the muscle can hold anti-gravity position against maximum resistance.

  3. Change in Overall Gait Speed

    Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks post-intervention

    Gait speed will be measured using the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), recorded in meters per second (m/s).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Khyber Medical University Peshawar

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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: Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
May 16, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 3, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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