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NCT Number: NCT06375018

Effect of the Diaphragm Stretching Technique on Nonspecific Low Back Pain

This study aims to analyze the efficacy of diaphragm stretching technique on symptomatology in young adults with nonspecific low back pain.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Escola Superior de Saúde do Porto

Porto, 4200-072, Portugal

About this study

Nonspecific low back pain occurs when there is an imbalance in the lower back between functional load and the ability to perform daily tasks. It is characterized as such when there is no specific and well-determined diagnosis and there are no structural changes.

The diaphragm and abdominal muscles together create a hydraulic effect in the abdominal cavity, which helps stabilize the spine, providing rigidity to the lumbar spine by increasing intra-abdominal pressure. Diaphragmatic changes in patients diagnosed with low back pain may contribute to the lack of spinal control activity through several mechanisms. Thus, it is concluded that the diaphragm is anatomically related to the lumbar spine, through its muscle fibers.

There are articles that relate the topic of low back pain with Osteopathic Manual Treatment, demonstrating that, despite this lack of scientific evidence, the results obtained at a clinical level are favorable.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of diaphragm stretching techniques on symptoms experienced by young adults with non-specific low back pain.

In this study, the investigators will analyze the effects of the diaphragm stretching technique on the following variables: the sniff nasal inspiratory pressure test (SNIP test) , Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, the Schober test and measurement of the distance between the fingers and the ground during anterior flexion of the trunk, without flexion of the lower limbs (also known as the Finger Tip Test).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Nonspecific low back pain;
  • Age between 18 and 30.

Exclusion criteria

  • Serious cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory causes;
  • Spinal pathologies and injuries to the lumbar spine;
  • Cancer patients;
  • Pacemaker or implant carriers;
  • Pregnant women or volunteers suspected of being pregnant.

Treatment and study plan

Placebo technique

Other

In the control group, manual contact will be carried out without any therapeutic intention. This contact will be maintained for the same period of time as the experimental group.

Diaphragm Stretching

Other

The participant will be in supine position and the researcher will be at the headrest of the examination table, placing his hands on the lower costal margin. Superior direction traction is performed during inspiration, remaining during expiration. The procedure is repeated for a maximum period of 4 minutes.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in level of inspiratory capacity immediately after intervention

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Assessment instruments to assess the degree of disability resulting from low back pain include the respiratory pressure meter.

  2. Change in the level of disability derived from low back pain immediately after the intervention

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Assessment instruments to evaluate the degree of disability resulting from low back pain include the Visual Analogue Scale. In this scale, a higher score indicates a greater level of pain, correlating with a worse outcome. Conversely, a lower score indicates less pain, corresponding to a better outcome.

  3. Change in the level of functionality of the lumbar spine immediately after the intervention

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Assessment instruments to assess the degree of disability resulting from low back pain include the Schober test.

  4. Change in the level of functionality of the lumbar spine immediately after the intervention

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Assessment instruments to assess the degree of disability resulting from low back pain include the measurement of the distance from the hands to the floor after forward flexion of the trunk while standing with knee extension (also known as the Finger Tip Test).

Study contacts

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

Natália MO Campelo, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+35122 206 1000

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Porto

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of the Diaphragm Stretching Technique on Symptomatology in Young Adults With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Apr 19, 2024
Registry last updated
Sep 5, 2024

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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