Study Comparing Myofascial Release Technique Added to Clinical Pilates Versus Pilates Alone for Adults with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain Aged 18 to 45

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of combining Myofascial Release Technique MRT with Clinical Pilates exercises in adults aged 18 to 45 who have chronic non-specific low back pain lasting at least three months. The study aims to determine if adding MRT improves pain, functional disability, and soft tissue mobility more than Pilates alone. This randomized controlled trial is conducted by Baheehir University and investigates structural changes in the thoracolumbar fascia and multifidus muscle atrophy related to this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for a 6-week supervised program with 2 sessions per week. The experimental group will receive 20 minutes of manual MRT applied to the lumbar and thoracolumbar regions followed by a standardized Clinical Pilates session focused on core stabilization. The control group will receive a sham MRT involving light manual contact without therapeutic effect combined with the same Pilates exercise program. All interventions are delivered by trained physiotherapists. During the study, participants will undergo assessments before and after the 6-week intervention including pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale VAS, ultrasonographic measurements of multifidus and thoracolumbar fascia thickness, and secondary outcomes such as functional disability Oswestry Disability Index, lumbar mobility Modified Schober Test, and dynamic balance Y-Balance Test. A blinded assessor will perform ultrasound evaluations to ensure objective data collection. The trial will monitor participants throughout the treatment period, with statistical analysis comparing changes within and between groups.

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