Comparison of the Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Technique and Pilates Exercises in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) will be applied manually to the lumbar and thoracolumbar regions to improve fascial mobility, reduce soft tissue restrictions, and decrease pain. The technique will be delivered for 6 weeks, 2 sessions per week, by a trained physiotherapist.

Sham Myofascial Release Technique: Sham Myofascial Release Technique will be applied to the lumbar and thoracolumbar regions using light manual contact without therapeutic pressure or specific myofascial release techniques. The intervention is designed to mimic the real treatment in terms of time and therapist contact, but without producing physiological therapeutic effects. It will be administered for 6 weeks, 2 sessions per week by a trained physiotherapist.

Clinical Pilates Exercise: The Clinical Pilates program will focus on trunk stabilization, core muscle activation, postural control, flexibility, and functional movement training. Exercises will be individually tailored and progressed according to participant tolerance. The program will be administered for 6 weeks, 2 sessions per week under physiotherapist supervision.

Study summary

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of adding Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) to Clinical Pilates in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP).

Hypothesis:

MRT combined with Pilates will lead to greater improvements in pain, functional disability, and soft tissue mobility compared to Pilates alone.

Design \& Intervention:

Randomized controlled trial. Participants (18-45 years) will be randomly assigned to:

MRT + Clinical Pilates Clinical Pilates only for 6 weeks (2 sessions/week).

Outcomes:

Primary: Pain (VAS), ultrasonographic thickness (multifidus \& thoracolumbar fascia) Secondary: Disability (ODI), lumbar mobility, balance

Eligibility:

Adults with CNSLBP ≥3 months; excluding spinal surgery, rheumatic disease, and pregnancy.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Pain Intensity (VAS) — Baseline and 6 weeks (post-intervention)
  Pain intensity will be measured using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Participants will mark their current pain level on the scale.
• Multifidus and Thoracolumbar Fascia Thickness — Baseline and 6 weeks (post-intervention)
  Muscle and fascia thickness will be measured using ultrasonography to evaluate changes in soft tissue properties in the lumbar region.

Trial sites (1)

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