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NCT Number: NCT07328126

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.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

30 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Foundation University Islamabad

Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, 46000, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Ali Bin Asim, MS-SPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923135088144

About this study

Mechanical low back pain (MLBP) originates from structural components of the spine, such as intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments, or joints, and is commonly caused by repetitive trauma, poor posture, or overuse. It is a leading cause of functional disability worldwide, with high recurrence rates. Physiotherapy plays a central role in managing MLBP by addressing contributing biological, psychological, and social factors. The latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, due to its anatomical connection with the pelvis via the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), significantly influences lumbar stability. Impaired extensibility or overactivity of the LD can contribute to mechanical dysfunction. Incorporating LD stretching into rehabilitation protocols has shown enhanced outcomes in pain reduction and functional improvement. Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), particularly Post Facilitation Stretching, utilize controlled muscle contractions to improve flexibility and relieve tension in shortened muscles. Proper application of MET targeting the LD has demonstrated effectiveness in increasing range of motion and supporting spinal stability in patients with chronic low back pain.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients had low back pain for more than 3 months Moderate disability (20 to 40 %) determined through Oswestry Disability Index Subjects with pain ranging 3 to 8 on NPRS Able to perform ROM of lumbar spine (flexion and extension) within range of pain Patient were not under any medical treatment (analgesics etc) both male and female

Exclusion criteria

  • presence of any red flags (i.e tumor , metabolic disease, rheumatoid arthritis , osteoporosis , history of use of steroids ) SLR test positive Muscle weakness or paralysis of lower extremity Prior surgery of lumbar spine and pregnancy Any psychological problem

Treatment and study plan

Conservative physical therapy

Procedure

Hot pack + TENS (10 min), followed by a structured program of warm-up, 20-minute core/back strengthening, stretching (hip flexors, hamstrings, lumbar extensors), and cool-down exercises.

Post-facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapy

Procedure

Receives the same conservative physical therapy as the control group plus Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Energy Technique (isometric contraction for 10seconds, relaxation 2-3seconds, followed by 10seconds stretch, applied bilaterally each session).

Primary outcomes

  1. Low back pain

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Numeric Pain Rating Scale will be used. An 11-point scale comprising a number from 0 through 10; 0 indicates "no pain", and 10 indicates the "worst imaginable pain". Patients are instructed to choose a single number from the scale that best indicates their level of pain.

  2. Functional Disability of back

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Oswestry disability index will be used. To evaluate the functional impact of low back pain on a person's daily life.

    It consists of 10 items on the degree of severity to which back (or leg) trouble has affected the ability to manage in everyday life. The 10 sections cover the pain and the daily function (including pain intensity, personal hygiene, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, sexual activity, social activity, and traveling). Each item is rated on a 6-point scale (0-5); the higher score means the higher level of disability related to LBP. The present study used the traditional Chinese version of the ODI 2.1

  3. Range of motion of low back.

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Dual Inclinometer will be used. It is a handheld, circular, fluid-filled disc that has a weighted gravity pendulum attached to it that is maintained in the vertical direction. It is graduated by 0.5 degree intervals over 360.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Laraib Khurshid, DPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923135965114

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Foundation University Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jan 8, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 8, 2026

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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