Low Back PainNCT06928792

Effects Of Quadratus Lumborum Release on Respiratory Outcomes on Low Back Pain Patients

A study testing Experimental interventional group A, (MET). in people with Low Back Pain, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record

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Trial summary

Who is it for?: Ages 30 to 60 years
Conditions the study is for: Low Back Pain
What is being tested?: Experimental interventional group A, (MET).
Could I receive a placebo?: No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people: 36 participants
Where: 1 sitePakistan
Study dates: 7 Apr 2025to 31 Jan 2026
Phase: Interventional
Are there results?: None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

Ages 30 to 60 years
All sexes
No healthy volunteers
Adult

Who may be able to join

Age 30-60 years.
Both Genders: Male and Female.
Diagnosed with mechanical low back pain persist at least >3 months.
Self-evaluation of the breathing questionnaire, SEBQ >11.
The patient exhibits decreased pulmonary functional volumes compared to the normal values, which include FEV, FVC,FEV₁/FVC
The Quadratus Lumborum length test in side-lying inches indicates QL shortening.
Patient with either unilateral or bilateral Quadratus lumborum tightness but intervention will be given on both sides.
Numeric Pain Rating > 3/10.

Who cannot join

Diagnosed chronic respiratory disease (e.g., asthma, COPD, bronchitis).
Diagnosed non-mechanical low back pain (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, tumors).
Diagnosed lumbar spine surgery within the last 12 months.
Diagnosed significant neurological deficits.
Spinal injuries or other comorbidities.
Infection, trauma, pregnancy, fracture, or fall.
Unable to understand and follow the commands.
Unwillingness to comply with the follow-up schedule.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site

Rawal Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences
Islamabad, Punjab Province, 45550

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

The aim of this research is to check the effects of Quadratus Lumborum (QL) release on respiratory function and pain levels in individuals with chronic low back pain. Randomized controlled trials done at Pakistan Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi and Rawal General \& Dental Hospital Islamabad. The sample size was 36. The subjects were divided into two groups, 18 subjects in the experimental group will receive muscle energy technique on quadratus lumborum along with conventional intervention for LBP and 18 in control group will only receive conventional intervention exercises for LBP. Study duration was of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was non probability connivance sampling technique. Only 30-60 years both males and females diagnosed with mechanical low back pain persist at least >3 months. Tools used in the study of Numeric Pain rating scale (Pain assessment). Modified Oswestry Disability Index (m-ODI) (for ADLs in CLBP). Inclinometer (for ranges of lumber spine). Digital spirometer (for FEV1/FVC ratio). Inches Tap (For Chest Expansion) \& (For Quadratus lumborum length test). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

Read the detailed description

Conditions: Low Back Pain
Being tested: Experimental interventional group A, (MET)., Control: group B (conventional intervention exercises)
Keywords: Respiratory function test, Numeric Pain rating scale, METs, Chronic pain
Medical subject headings: Low Back Pain, Chronic Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

Experimental interventional group A, (MET).Other
10-minute hot pack application, followed by MET on the Quadratus Lumborum (3 repetitions with a 7-second hold). Flexibility exercises include William flexion with bilateral knee-to-chest stretches (10-second hold, repeated 10 times) and static stretching of the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliotibial band (5 repetitions with a 5-second hold). Strengthening exercises comprise isometric hip flexor activation (5 repetitions with a 15-second hold), side planks (3 repetitions with a 30-second hold), and static side bending (5 repetitions with a 10-second hold). The intervention will be performed once daily, consisting of 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to enhance flexibility, core stability, and muscular balance, ultimately contributing to pain relief and improved functional mobility in CLBP patients
Control: group B (conventional intervention exercises)Other
10-minute hot pack application, followed by William flexion with bilateral knee-to-chest stretches (10-second hold, repeated 10 times). Flexibility exercises consist of static stretching for the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliotibial band (5 repetitions with a 5-second hold). Strengthening exercises include isometric hip flexor activation (5 repetitions with a 15-second hold), side planks (3 repetitions with a 30-second hold), and static side bending (5 repetitions with a 10-second hold). The protocol will be performed once daily, with 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to improve flexibility, core stability, and pain management in CLBP patients.

Study groups in NCT06928792
Study group	Role	What they receive
Experimental: interventional group A: Muscle Energy Technique (MET)	Experimental	10 min hot pack application, followed by MET on the Quadratus Lumborum (3 reps with a 7s hold). Flexibility exercises include William flexion with b/L knee-to-chest stretches (10s hold, repeated 10 times) and static stretching of the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and IT band (5 reps, 5s hold). Strengthening exercises comprise isometric hip flexor activation (5 reps with a 15s hold), side planks (3 reps, 30s hold), and static side bending (5 reps, 10s hold). The intervention will be performed once daily, consisting of 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to enhance flexibility, core stability, and muscular balance, ultimately contributing to pain relief and improved functional mobility in CLBP patients Receives: Other: Experimental interventional group A, (MET).
Control :interventional group B: (conventional intervention exercises)	Active comparator	10-minute hot pack application, followed by William flexion with bilateral knee-to-chest stretches (10s hold, reps 10 times). Flexibility exercises consist of static stretching for the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliotibial band (5 reps with a 5s hold). Strengthening exercises include isometric hip flexor activation (5 reps with a 15s hold), side planks (3 reps with a 30s hold), and static side bending (5 reps with a 10s hold). The protocol will be performed once daily, with 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to improve flexibility, core stability, and pain management in CLBP patients. Receives: Other: Control: group B (conventional intervention exercises)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

Numeric Pain rating scale.
It is the tool to measure pain intensity It ranges from 0 to 10. If the patient feels no pain, then 0 will be marked. 5 shows moderate pain and 10 will be marked if pain is most extreme ever felt by the patient.(10) The patients were asked to mark the point they felt their pain accordingly
Measured: baseline measurement to 2 weeks
Digital spirometer.
Spirometry is a vital pulmonary function test used to assess lung health by measuring Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)
Measured: baseline measurement to 2 weeks
Inches Tap (For Chest Expansion)
Chest expansion was measured in a standing position with elbows slightly flexed and hands on hips, using a non-stretchable inch tape at the 2nd intercostal space (ICS), 4th ICS, and xiphoid process. Participants performed maximal deep inspiration and expiration, and the difference was recorded.
Measured: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session.
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)
Unidimensional, nine-item self-reported questionnaire designed to assess the severity and impact of fatigue on daily functioning and quality of life over the past week. Participants rate each item on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree), with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity. The total score is calculated by summing the individual item scores, resulting in a range from 9 to 63, with a score of ≥36 indicating significant fatigue.
Measured: baseline measurement to 2 weeks.

Secondary outcomes (6)

Inclinometer for Lumbar Flexion.
The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs forward bending.
Measured: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Extension.
The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs lumbar extension.
Measured: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Side Bending (Rt)
The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs movements for right-side bending.
Measured: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Side Bending (Lt)
The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs left-side bending.
Measured: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Rotation (Rt)
The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs right rotation at lumbar
Measured: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Rotation (Lt)
The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture.The patient then performs Left rotation at lumbar.
Measured: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

7 Apr 202531 Jan 2026

First posted15 Apr 2025
Study start7 Apr 2025
Primary completion30 Jan 2026
Study completion31 Jan 2026

Resources

Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
Other trials for Low Back PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design

Study type: Interventional
Phase: Phase N/A
Primary purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomised
Intervention model: Parallel groups
Model description: Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group or control group after a baseline assessment with a lottery ticket and an opaque envelope containing the same number of folded papers labeled "control" or "intervention." Each participant took a piece of paper that identified their group and gave it to the researchers without seeing what was written. Participants were not notified which group was assigned.
Masking: Double blind
Who is masked: Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment: 36 participants (actual)

IDs, dates and publications

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06928792
Sponsor's protocol ID: REC/02134 Suleman
Status last verified: Sep 2026
First submitted: 20 Feb 2025
Last updated: 10 Sep 2026
Results posted: No
Data monitoring committee: Yes
FDA-regulated drug: No
FDA-regulated device: No
Individual data sharing: No

Want to know more?

The sponsor has not listed a contact. The official record may have more details.

Talk to your doctor first and take this page with you. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.

Questions to ask the study team

What is the study trying to find out?
What would I need to do, and how often would I visit?
Could I receive a placebo instead of the treatment?
What are the possible risks and benefits for me?
Will it cost me anything? Are travel or time paid for?
Can I keep seeing my own doctor during the study?
What happens when the study ends?

See locations

Not yet recruiting
Effects of Hip Hinge Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Disability in Non-specific Low Back Pain.
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Effect of Lumbar Stabilization Exercises With and Without YTWL (Scapular Stabilization Exercises) on Reducing Chronic Low Back Pain and Related Disability. A Randomized Clinical Trial,
Chronic Non Specific Mechanical Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Comparing Non-Medicine Strategies for Improving Low Back Pain
Chronic Low-back Pain (cLBP), High-Impact Chronic Pain (HICP)
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Cervical Stabilization With Core Stabilization in Young Adults With Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Spinery Basivertebral Nerve Ablation for Vertebrogenic Chronic Low Back Pain
Low Back Pain, Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)

All Low Back Pain trials

Study at a glance

From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.

Official title: Effects Of Quadratus Lumborum Release on Respiratory Outcomes on Low Back Pain Patients
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06928792
Acronym / sponsor ID: REC/02134 Suleman
Conditions: Low Back Pain
Keywords: Respiratory function test, Numeric Pain rating scale, METs, Chronic pain
Study type: Interventional
Recruitment status: Completed
Enrolment: 36 participants (actual)
Lead sponsor: Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
Study start: 7 Apr 2025 (actual)
Primary completion: 30 Jan 2026 (actual)
Study completion: 31 Jan 2026 (actual)
First posted: 15 Apr 2025 (actual)
Results: Not posted in the source record

Clinical summary

The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.

Detailed description

Study design

Primary purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomised
Intervention model: Parallel groups
Masking: Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
Number of arms: 2
Model description: Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group or control group after a baseline assessment with a lottery ticket and an opaque envelope containing the same number of folded papers labeled "control" or "intervention." Each participant took a piece of paper that identified their group and gave it to the researchers without seeing what was written. Participants were not notified which group was assigned.

Arm	Type	Receives
Experimental: interventional group A: Muscle Energy Technique (MET)	Experimental	Other: Experimental interventional group A, (MET).10 min hot pack application, followed by MET on the Quadratus Lumborum (3 reps with a 7s hold). Flexibility exercises include William flexion with b/L knee-to-chest stretches (10s hold, repeated 10 times) and static stretching of the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and IT band (5 reps, 5s hold). Strengthening exercises comprise isometric hip flexor activation (5 reps with a 15s hold), side planks (3 reps, 30s hold), and static side bending (5 reps, 10s hold). The intervention will be performed once daily, consisting of 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to enhance flexibility, core stability, and muscular balance, ultimately contributing to pain relief and improved functional mobility in CLBP patients
Control :interventional group B: (conventional intervention exercises)	Active comparator	Other: Control: group B (conventional intervention exercises)10-minute hot pack application, followed by William flexion with bilateral knee-to-chest stretches (10s hold, reps 10 times). Flexibility exercises consist of static stretching for the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliotibial band (5 reps with a 5s hold). Strengthening exercises include isometric hip flexor activation (5 reps with a 15s hold), side planks (3 reps with a 30s hold), and static side bending (5 reps with a 10s hold). The protocol will be performed once daily, with 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to improve flexibility, core stability, and pain management in CLBP patients.

Who may qualify

Ages: 30 to 60 years
Sex: All
Healthy volunteers: Not accepted
Age groups: Adult

Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)

Age 30-60 years.
Both Genders: Male and Female.
Diagnosed with mechanical low back pain persist at least >3 months.
Self-evaluation of the breathing questionnaire, SEBQ >11.
The patient exhibits decreased pulmonary functional volumes compared to the normal values, which include FEV, FVC,FEV₁/FVC

Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)

Diagnosed chronic respiratory disease (e.g., asthma, COPD, bronchitis).
Diagnosed non-mechanical low back pain (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, tumors).
Diagnosed lumbar spine surgery within the last 12 months.
Diagnosed significant neurological deficits.
Spinal injuries or other comorbidities.

Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Interventions

Intervention	Type	Arms
Experimental interventional group A, (MET).10-minute hot pack application, followed by MET on the Quadratus Lumborum (3 repetitions with a 7-second hold). Flexibility exercises include William flexion with bilateral knee-to-chest stretches (10-second hold, repeated 10 times) and static stretching of the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliotibial band (5 repetitions with a 5-second hold). Strengthening exercises comprise isometric hip flexor activation (5 repetitions with a 15-second hold), side planks (3 repetitions with a 30-second hold), and static side bending (5 repetitions with a 10-second hold). The intervention will be performed once daily, consisting of 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to enhance flexibility, core stability, and muscular balance, ultimately contributing to pain relief and improved functional mobility in CLBP patients	Other	Experimental: interventional group A: Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
Control: group B (conventional intervention exercises)10-minute hot pack application, followed by William flexion with bilateral knee-to-chest stretches (10-second hold, repeated 10 times). Flexibility exercises consist of static stretching for the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliotibial band (5 repetitions with a 5-second hold). Strengthening exercises include isometric hip flexor activation (5 repetitions with a 15-second hold), side planks (3 repetitions with a 30-second hold), and static side bending (5 repetitions with a 10-second hold). The protocol will be performed once daily, with 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to improve flexibility, core stability, and pain management in CLBP patients.	Other	Control :interventional group B: (conventional intervention exercises)

Primary outcome

Numeric Pain rating scale.
Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks
It is the tool to measure pain intensity It ranges from 0 to 10. If the patient feels no pain, then 0 will be marked. 5 shows moderate pain and 10 will be marked if pain is most extreme ever felt by the patient.(10) The patients were asked to mark the point they felt their pain accordingly
Digital spirometer.
Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks
Spirometry is a vital pulmonary function test used to assess lung health by measuring Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)
Inches Tap (For Chest Expansion)
Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session.
Chest expansion was measured in a standing position with elbows slightly flexed and hands on hips, using a non-stretchable inch tape at the 2nd intercostal space (ICS), 4th ICS, and xiphoid process. Participants performed maximal deep inspiration and expiration, and the difference was recorded.
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)
Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks.
Unidimensional, nine-item self-reported questionnaire designed to assess the severity and impact of fatigue on daily functioning and quality of life over the past week. Participants rate each item on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree), with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity. The total score is calculated by summing the individual item scores, resulting in a range from 9 to 63, with a score of ≥36 indicating significant fatigue.

6 secondary outcomes

Inclinometer for Lumbar Flexion.
Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Extension.
Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Side Bending (Rt)
Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Side Bending (Lt)
Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Rotation (Rt)
Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Rotation (Lt)
Time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session

Results and safety

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

Research links

Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Sep 2026.
Individual participant dataSharing planned: No

Related trials for Low Back Pain

Not yet recruiting
Effects of Hip Hinge Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Disability in Non-specific Low Back Pain.
Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Effect of Lumbar Stabilization Exercises With and Without YTWL (Scapular Stabilization Exercises) on Reducing Chronic Low Back Pain and Related Disability. A Randomized Clinical Trial,
Chronic Non Specific Mechanical Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Comparing Non-Medicine Strategies for Improving Low Back Pain
Chronic Low-back Pain (cLBP), High-Impact Chronic Pain (HICP)
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Cervical Stabilization With Core Stabilization in Young Adults With Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Spinery Basivertebral Nerve Ablation for Vertebrogenic Chronic Low Back Pain
Low Back Pain, Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)

Referral and contact

AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.

Aisha Razzaq, PHD* principal investigator

Riphah International University

1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Experimental interventional group A, (MET). in people with Low Back Pain, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Numeric Pain rating scale. (time frame: baseline measurement to 2 weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06928792.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Sep 2026.