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NCT Number: NCT07496099

Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release on Low Back Pain With Lower Cross Syndrome

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the combined effects of post-isometric relaxation and myofascial release on pain, flexibility, and functional disability in individuals with low back pain associated with lower cross syndrome. Eligible participants aged 18 to 45 years will be randomly allocated into two parallel intervention groups. One group will receive post-isometric relaxation combined with myofascial release, while the comparison group will receive conventional stretching combined with Therapeutic modalities. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. The results of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based physiotherapy management of low back pain associated with postural imbalance.

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Key information

Conditions

Low Back Pain, Mechanical Back Pain Hamstring Muscle Tightness Low Back Pain Lower Cross Syndrome Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Department of Physiotherapy, University of Karachi

Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Location contact

BUSHRA MALIK, MPHIL

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigator / Student Researcher, MPHIL

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923052722589

CONTACT

[email protected]

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants aged 18-45 years old
  • having low back pain persisting for at least 4 weeks
  • with clinical diagnosis of LCS, and hamstring tightness (AKE >15°)

Exclusion criteria

  • Participants with the history of spinal surgery active neurological conditions
  • systemic disease affecting connective tissue (Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus)
  • recent lower limb or spinal injury (within 6 months)
  • pregnancy or inability to lie prone for treatment.

Treatment and study plan

Post isometric relaxation

Other

Post-isometric relaxation will be applied to the hamstring muscles. Participants will be positioned supine with the hip flexed to 90 degrees and will perform a submaximal isometric contraction of the hamstrings against therapist resistance for 5 to 8 seconds, followed by a passive stretch of approximately 10 seconds. The procedure will be repeated three times per limb per session.

Myofascial Release

Other

Myofascial release will be applied to the hamstring muscles with the participant in a prone position. Sustained manual pressure will be applied along the length of the hamstring muscles using the therapist's hands for approximately 30 seconds per application, repeated multiple times per session to improve tissue extensibility.

Conventional Static Stretching

Other

Conventional static stretching of the hamstring muscles will be performed with the participant in a supine position. Each stretch will be held for approximately 30 seconds and repeated three times per limb per session as part of routine physiotherapy management.

Therapeutic Modalities

Other

Therapeutic modalities, including ultrasound therapy or superficial heat application using a heating pad, will be applied prior to stretching to reduce pain and improve tissue extensibility as part of conventional physiotherapy care.

Primary outcomes

  1. Hamstring Flexibility

    Time frame: Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)

    Hamstring flexibility will be assessed using Active Knee Extension (AKE) test measured in degrees with a goniometer.

Secondary outcomes

  1. pain intensity

    Time frame: assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)

    pain intensity measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

  2. functional flexibility

    Time frame: Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)

    assessed by Straight Leg Raise (SLR)

  3. posture assesment

    Time frame: Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)

    Posture will be assessed using the REEDCO scale

Study contacts

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

Aftab Ahmed Mirza Baig, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923002739920

Bushra Madad Ali Malik, DPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

+92305 2722589

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Karachi

Other

Collaborators

  • IQRA University

Registry information

Official study title

Combined Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release in Patients With Low Back Pain and Lower Cross Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 27, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 27, 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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