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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06858072

Transverse Friction Massage Versus Instrumented Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome

To find effective therapeutic interventions for QLS, a study is being conducted to compare the efficacy of two promising techniques: Transverse Friction Massage (TFM) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) . Participants will be randomly assigned to either the TFM or IASTM groups. Outcome measures will be collected before and after the intervention, including pain levels assessed through NPRS, range of motion using inclinometer and posture by measuring leg length discrepancy with tape method.Non probability convenience sampling will be used and 34 partcipants will be randomly allocated in two groups after meeting inclusion criteria.Both groups will receive hotpack for 10-15min.Stretching quadratus lumborum will also be performed with strengthening on the opposite side of affected quadratus lumborum.This methodology provides a solid assessment of the effectiveness of TFM and IASTM for Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome therapy.

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Key information

Conditions

Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hafiz Medical and diagnostic Center johar town Lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, 53200, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age group between 18-40years
  • Males only with target population was office workers
  • NPRS>4
  • Patients with a positional fault of the pelvis (lateral tilt)
  • Patients having chronic LBP for more than six months
  • Hyperirritable spot or taut band
  • Positive jump sign for trigger points/ Referred pain related to the trigger point area
  • Positive Lewis's functional palpation test for QL overactivity
  • At least one trigger point in Quadratus lumborum
  • Leg length discrepancy due to QL tightness

Exclusion criteria

  • Congenital or acquired spinal deformities
  • Spinal stenosis or radiculopathy
  • Diagnosed disc prolapse
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Any malignancy
  • Recent history of surgery less than three months
  • Acute infections

Treatment and study plan

Instrument assissted soft tissue mobilization(IASTM)

Other

IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) in four specific body areas. The quadratus lumborum, posterior fascia, sacrum, hip lateral rotators, and hamstring bilaterally were these areas. The subjects were asked to kneel directly on the bed to stimulate the lumbar posterior muscles erector spinae (iliocostalis, longissimus), lumborum, and multifidus. At the same time, the IASTM treatment was applied to the rear fascia. The same treatment was applied to the sacrum while the subject kneeled on the bed. For hip lateral rotators, the IASTM treatment was applied to the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius while kneeling in a prone position with knee and hip flexion. Similarly, for the hamstring bilaterally, the IASTM treatment was applied to the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus while in a prone position. The instrument was used for about 20 seconds in a direction parallel to the muscle fibers being treated and then for an additional 20 sec perpendicular to fibres

transverse friction massage

Other

patient was lying prone while the therapist administered a transverse friction massage to the affected area. Before the massage, the therapist cleansed and dried the place to be treated, ensuring it was free of dirt or debris. The therapist used their palpation skills to locate the site of pain and apply the massage technique accordingly. The therapist performed the transverse friction massage using their thumb to apply pressure across the muscle fiber, with each repetition lasting for two minutes

Primary outcomes

  1. Numeric Pain rating scale(NPRS)

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS-11) has been widely used clinically to assess pain. Universal pain screening with a 0-10 pain intensity numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) has been widely implemented in primary care. The current study will use this scale to measure pain in the lumbosacral joint. A numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) requires patients to rate their pain on a defined scale. For example, 0 is no pain, and 10 is the worst. NPRS scores ≤ 5 correspond to mild, 6-7 to moderate, and scores ≥8 to severe pain regarding pain-related interference with functioning

  2. Range of motion

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The range of motion of the lumbosacral joint will be measured through an inclinometer for lumbar flexion (40-60 degrees), extension (20-35 degrees), and rotations (15-25 degrees) range of motion.

  3. Posture

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a "direct" measurement using a tape measure that can be utilized to measure the "true" leg length from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the medial malleolus. The "apparent" leg length is measured from the umbilicus to the medial malleolus, considered normal up to 1 cm, with mild LLD ranging from 1 to 2 cm, moderate LLD from 2 to 5 cm, and severe LLD greater than 5 cm

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Transverse Friction Massage Versus Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain, Range of Motion, and Posture in Patients With Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2024
First posted
Mar 5, 2025
Registry last updated
Mar 5, 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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