Clinical practice guidelines for the management of non-specific low back pain in primary care: an updated overview.
Crystian B Oliveira, Chris G Maher, Rafael Z Pinto...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29971708Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 40Years - 55Years
All Genders
ID07244913
Therapeutic Effects of Instrument-assisted Versus Sound-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Among Patients With Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain
Led by University of Lahore · Updated on 2026-01-02
60
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
3 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common and challenging musculoskeletal condition that limits movement and daily activities due to muscular imbalances and decreased quality of life. This trial evaluates and compares two advanced soft tissue mobilization techniques—instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and sound-assisted soft tissue mobilization (SASTM)—for managing chronic non-specific low back pain. The study aims to better understand their effects on pain and function, addressing gaps in current research regarding these methods. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: IASTM combined with conventional therapy, SASTM combined with conventional therapy, or conventional therapy alone. IASTM treatment involves a multi-step protocol including examination, warm-up exercises, short treatment sessions, post-treatment stretching and strengthening, and icing if needed. SASTM uses a convex plastic tool to apply sound-assisted soft tissue mobilization. Conventional therapy includes exercises targeting stretching, strengthening, and posture correction for low back muscles. Throughout the study, participants will have their pain intensity and lumbar flexibility measured at baseline, weeks 2, 3, and 4, with follow-ups at 2 and 4 months after treatment. Additional assessments include functional movement screening, disability evaluation, and hamstring flexibility measurements. Pain, function, and flexibility improvements are monitored over time to assess each treatment’s effects. The study includes randomized group assignment and double-blind masking to ensure reliable results, with participation expected to last several months including follow-up visits.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Therapeutic Effects of Instrument-assisted Versus Sound-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain
Who Can Participate
Age: 40Years - 55Years
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Pain located between the inferior gluteal folds and the costal margins
- Pain lasting at least 24 weeks
- Moderate to severe pain with a score above 3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale
- Limited straight leg raise due to hamstring tightness
You will not qualify if you...
- Lower back pain with radiating or referring pain limited to proximal legs
- Pain occurring at least half of the days in the last six months
- Neurological problems such as nerve root compression, motor deficits, or paresthesia
- Diseases like infection, tumors, spondylolisthesis grade II or higher, vertebral fractures, or endometriosis
- Use of immunosuppressive or steroid medications
- Spinal deformities
- Recent severe rheumatic, orthopedic, or cardiovascular disease within last three months
- Previously diagnosed osteoporosis
- Positive compression test indicating sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Body mass index over 35
- Skin allergy or hypersensitivity that may cause irritation from IASTM or SASTM tools
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Treatment
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants receive either instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) or sound-assisted soft tissue mobilization (SASTM) combined with conventional therapy, or conventional therapy alone, to manage chronic non-specific low back pain.
Weekly visits for up to 4 weeks
Follow-up
Duration - Up to 4 months post intervention
Participants are assessed for pain intensity, flexibility, function, disability, and hamstring flexibility after treatment to monitor long-term effects.
2 visits (at 2 months and 4 months post intervention)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 54000
Actively Recruiting
2
Re Active Physio Clinic Lahore.
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 54000
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
T
Tahir Mahmood PhD Scholar, Phd (PT)*
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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