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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05149703

Efficacy of Postural Reeducation in Elite Gymnasts With Back Pain

Introduction: Low back pain is a musculoskeletal disorder that is associated with symptoms such as pain, limitation of joint range and postural problems in athletes. Postural control is a key factor in disciplines with high biomechanical demands, such as rhythmic gymnastics. In addition, the potential influence of occlusal splints on body posture has been discussed, although evidence remains inconclusive. Methods: The study design is a randomized controlled clinical trial with a minimum of 35 elite gymnasts with back pain. Two postural treatments will be implemented, Mezieres Method and Isostretching, to verify whether there is improvement in low back pain in gymnasts and to compare both procedures. Postural variables will also allow exploratory analysis of factors potentially associated with postural regulation, including the possible influence of occlusal-byte use. Discussion: This trial could generate a greater understanding of the importance of posture related to low back pain and its possible treatments. It may also contribute to clarifying the relationship between postural therapeutic approaches and other factors influencing postural control.

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Key information

Conditions

Back Pain Athletic Injuries Back Strain Lower Back Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Wounds and Injuries

Age range

15 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Universidad Católica de Murcia

Murcia, 30107, Spain

About this study

A randomized controlled clinical trial with two groups (intervention and placebo) will be implemented. The intervention group will receive the Mezieres technique as postural treatment, while the placebo group will perform a total of six Isostretching positions. Both interventions will consist of 30-minute sessions delivered twice weekly over a 12-week period. All treatments will be administered by the same certified therapist with at least five years of experience in postural therapy. Outcome measurements will be obtained immediately after the first session, and at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Assessments will be conducted by a blinded researcher who will not participate in the treatments and who has prior experience in postural evaluation. Postural measurements will additionally permit exploratory analyses of factors potentially influencing postural regulation, including the possible impact of occlusal-byte use.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Elite gymnastic athletes with low back pain
  • Active participation in the national competition
  • Practice at least three times a week for 60 minutes
  • Minimum training time of 7 hours a week

Exclusion criteria

  • Gymnast whom suffer from chronic disease or acute musculoskeletal injury
  • Herniated disc
  • Spondylolisthesis

Treatment and study plan

Mezieres Postural Treatment

Other

Implementation of 12 weeks suitable postures of Mezieres method

Primary outcomes

  1. Back status

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Measured with Oswestry questionaire. It consists of 10 categories. Each category consists of 6 items scored from 0 to 5 with the first statement scoring 0 until the last statement scoring 5.

  2. Back disability

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Measured with Roland Morris Questionaire wich consist in 24 points of back disability actual phrases

  3. Range of motion

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Measured with Baiobit software

  4. Pain intensity

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Measured with Numeric Rating Scale wich consist in measure pain intensity with a score of 0-10

Secondary outcomes

  1. Subjetive tension perception

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Measured with Borg Scale, which include a rating of 6 perceiving "no exertion at all" to 20 perceiving a "maximal exertion" of effort.

  2. Spinal curvature evaluation

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Measured with Spinal Mouse Software

  3. Stiffness test

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Measured with Baiobit software

  4. Posture stability

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Measured with stabilometry with a duration of 50 seconds with Lizard posturometric and stabilometric platform

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Efficacy of Postural Reeducation in Elite Gymnasts With Back Pain. A Randomized Clinical Trial

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Dec 8, 2021
Registry last updated
Feb 23, 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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