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NCT Number: NCT06928792

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

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).

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Key information

Conditions

Low Back Pain Back Pain Chronic 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

Rawal Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences

Islamabad, Punjab Province, 45550, Pakistan

About this study

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).

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

Exclusion criteria

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

Treatment and study plan

Experimental interventional group A, (MET).

Other

10-minute hot pack application, followed by MET on the Quadratus Lumborum (3 repetitions with a 7-second hold). Flexibility exercises include William flexion with bilateral knee-to-chest stretches (10-second hold, repeated 10 times) and static stretching of the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliotibial band (5 repetitions with a 5-second hold). Strengthening exercises comprise isometric hip flexor activation (5 repetitions with a 15-second hold), side planks (3 repetitions with a 30-second hold), and static side bending (5 repetitions with a 10-second 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

Control: group B (conventional intervention exercises)

Other

10-minute hot pack application, followed by William flexion with bilateral knee-to-chest stretches (10-second hold, repeated 10 times). Flexibility exercises consist of static stretching for the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliotibial band (5 repetitions with a 5-second hold). Strengthening exercises include isometric hip flexor activation (5 repetitions with a 15-second hold), side planks (3 repetitions with a 30-second hold), and static side bending (5 repetitions with a 10-second 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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Numeric Pain rating scale.

    Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks

    It is the tool to measure pain intensity It ranges from 0 to 10. If the patient feels no pain, then 0 will be marked. 5 shows moderate pain and 10 will be marked if pain is most extreme ever felt by the patient.(10) The patients were asked to mark the point they felt their pain accordingly

  2. Digital spirometer.

    Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks

    Spirometry is a vital pulmonary function test used to assess lung health by measuring Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)

  3. Inches Tap (For Chest Expansion)

    Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session.

    Chest expansion was measured in a standing position with elbows slightly flexed and hands on hips, using a non-stretchable inch tape at the 2nd intercostal space (ICS), 4th ICS, and xiphoid process. Participants performed maximal deep inspiration and expiration, and the difference was recorded.

  4. Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)

    Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks.

    Unidimensional, nine-item self-reported questionnaire designed to assess the severity and impact of fatigue on daily functioning and quality of life over the past week. Participants rate each item on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree), with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity. The total score is calculated by summing the individual item scores, resulting in a range from 9 to 63, with a score of ≥36 indicating significant fatigue.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Inclinometer for Lumbar Flexion.

    Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session

    The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs forward bending.

  2. Inclinometer for Lumbar Extension.

    Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session

    The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs lumbar extension.

  3. Inclinometer for Lumbar Side Bending (Rt)

    Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session

    The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs movements for right-side bending.

  4. Inclinometer for Lumbar Side Bending (Lt)

    Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session

    The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs left-side bending.

  5. Inclinometer for Lumbar Rotation (Rt)

    Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session

    The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs right rotation at lumbar

  6. Inclinometer for Lumbar Rotation (Lt)

    Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session

    The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture.The patient then performs Left rotation at lumbar.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 15, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 15, 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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