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NCT Number: NCT07672197

Psoas Major Muscle Intervention on Chronic Lumbar Pain in Cleaning Professionals.

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to determine the effect of a psoas major muscle intervention on non-specific and chronic lumbar pain in cleaning professionals. It is expected that this intervention will reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the effect of psoas major stretching techniques. To collect data, participants will rate their pain intensity on a numeric pain scale at rest and during maximal lumbar flexion. Secondary variables include lumbar flexion range of motion (ROM), assessed by the Schöber test, and hip ROM, which will be measured before and after the intervention using a digital goniometer.

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Key information

Conditions

Lumbar Pain Back Pain Low Back Pain Neurologic Manifestations Non-specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

Cleaning professionals are particularly vulnerable to musculoskeletal pain, predominantly low back pain due to intense occupational hazards like repetitive movements, heavy lifting in awkward postures, and prolonged standing. The psoas major muscle plays a critical role in this clinical context; morphological changes, such as muscle atrophy and fat infiltration, are commonly observed in low back pain patients. Furthermore, a shortened or asymmetrical psoas alters spinal biomechanics-often increasing lumbar lordosis and overloading facet joints-which strongly predisposes individuals to chronic pain and instability. Furthermore, a shortened or asymmetrical psoas alters spinal biomechanics-often increasing lumbar lordosis and overloading facet joints-which strongly predisposes individuals to chronic pain and instability.

This study aims to highlight the biomechanical importance of the iliopsoas muscle and evaluate the therapeutic impact of the stretching technique in reducing symptoms, improving mobility, and preventing functional limitations associated with iliopsoas dysfunction.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Being a cleaning professional for at least 4 years
  • Report at least 1 episode of lumbar pain in the last 3 months

Exclusion criteria

  • Any severe spinal condition (such as spondylolisthesis, spine fracture, etc.)
  • Any severe neurological or rheumatological condition
  • Pregnancy
  • Daily use of pain medication

Treatment and study plan

Psoas stretching technique

Other

The patient is positioned supine at the edge of the table. The investigator places their hands on both of the participant's knees, applying gentle downward pressure on the ipsilateral knee to stretch the psoas major muscle. This stretch is held for 30 seconds and performed bilaterally (once on each side) to the experimental group.

Placebo

Other

Patient is positioned supine at the edge of the table. The investigator places one hand on the participant's ipsilateral knee without applying any pressure or force, and the other hand on the contralateral knee for stabilization. This position is maintained for 30 seconds to match the duration of the experimental intervention. The technique was performed bilaterally (once on each side) to the control group.

Primary outcomes

  1. Low Back Pain Intensity at Rest Assessed Using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS, 0-10)

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention.

    Low back pain intensity at rest will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), a self-reported scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst imaginable pain." Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity and therefore a worse outcome.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Lumbar Range of Motion Assessed Using the Schober Test

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention.

    Lumbar range of motion (ROM) will be assessed using the Schober Test at rest and during anterior lumbar flexion. The test measures lumbar spine mobility by quantifying the increase in distance between predefined anatomical landmarks during trunk flexion. Higher values indicate greater lumbar mobility and therefore a better outcome.

  2. Hip Flexion Range of Motion Assessed Using a Digital Goniometer

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention.

    Hip flexion range of motion (ROM) will be assessed with the participant in the supine position using a digital goniometer. Measurements will be recorded in degrees (°). Higher values indicate greater hip flexion mobility and therefore a better outcome.

Study contacts

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

Natália MO Campelo, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+351 222 061 000

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Porto

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Influence of the Stretching Technique on the Psoas Major Muscle on Chronic Lumbar Pain in Cleaning Professionals: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 26, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 26, 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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