Low Back PainLowBackpainNCT06955117
McKenzie vs Manual Therapy for Low Back Pain
A study testing Physical Therapy Exercises and Group B in people with Low Back Pain, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
A comparative study evaluating the effectiveness of the McKenzie technique versus manual therapy in patients with nonspecific low back pain. The study aims to assess which intervention is more effective in reducing pain and improving functional mobility. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 35 to 45 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Low Back Pain
- What is being tested?
- Physical Therapy Exercises and Group B
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 52 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 17 Feb 2025to 17 Apr 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 35 to 45 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis of nonspecific low back pain lasting more than 4 weeks
- Willing to participate and comply with the study protocol
Who cannot join
- History of lumbar spine surgery
- Presence of spinal fracture, tumor, or infection
- Pregnant women
- Severe osteoporosis or spinal deformity
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Riphah international University Malakand
Malakand, KPK, 23060
DrNadeem Ahmad, 03451915105, n.ahmad@riphah.edu.pk
About this study
Official title: Comparative Study of McKenzie Technique and Manual Therapy for Pain and Function in Low Back Pain
A comparative study evaluating the effectiveness of the McKenzie technique versus manual therapy in patients with nonspecific low back pain. The study aims to assess which intervention is more effective in reducing pain and improving functional mobility.
Read the detailed description
The study compares McKenzie Method, a directional preference-based approach involving repeated movements and posture correction, against Manual Therapy, which includes hands-on techniques such as mobilizations and manipulations. Patients with nonspecific low back pain will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups and treated over a defined period. Outcomes will be measured using pain and disability scores.
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain
- Being tested
- Physical Therapy Exercises, Group B
- Keywords
- Low Back Pain
- Medical subject headings
- Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Physical Therapy ExercisesOther
Also called intervention for low backpain
Experimental - McKenzie Technique (Group A) Intervention Type: Other: Physical Therapy Exercises
Other Names:
Intervention for low back pain
Description:
Soft Tissue Mobilization: Manual massage to release muscle tension (5-10 mins)
Lumbar Mobilization Techniques:
PA Mobilization (Posteroanterior glide) on the lumbar spine (Grade I-IV, 3-5 min per segment)
Side-lying Rotational Mobilization (3 sets × 10 reps)
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs):
Pelvic Tilts (3 sets × 10 reps)
Hip Flexor Stretch with Isometric Hold (3 sets × 10 sec per side)
Core Stabilization Exercises:
Bridge Exercise (3 sets × 10-15 reps)
Dead Bug Exercise (3 sets × 10 reps per side)
Modalities:
Hot Pack (15-20 mins) for relaxation before therapy
TENS (10 mins) for pain relief before mobilization
Group BOther
Also called Manual Therapy (Group B)
Manual Therapy (Group B)
Description:
Soft Tissue Mobilization: Manual massage to release muscle tension (5-10 mins)
Lumbar Mobilization Techniques:
PA Mobilization (Posteroanterior glide) on the lumbar spine (Grade I-IV, 3-5 min per segment)
Side-lying Rotational Mobilization (3 sets × 10 reps)
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs):
Pelvic Tilts (3 sets × 10 reps)
Hip Flexor Stretch with Isometric Hold (3 sets × 10 sec per side)
Core Stabilization Exercises:
Bridge Exercise (3 sets × 10-15 reps)
Dead Bug Exercise (3 sets × 10 reps per side)
Modalities:
Hot Pack (15-20 mins) for relaxation before therapy
TENS (10 mins) for pain relief before mobilization
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| McKenzie Technique (Group A) | Experimental | Experimental - McKenzie Technique (Group A) Intervention Type: Physical Therapy Intervention Name: McKenzie Extension Exercises
Description:
This group will receive McKenzie-based physical therapy including postural correction, prone lying, prone on elbows, prone press-ups (3×10), soft tissue mobilization (5-10 mins), lumbar mobilization (PA glide, side-lying rotations), METs (pelvic tilts, hip flexor stretch), core exercises (bridge, dead bug), plus hot pack (15-20 mins) and TENS (10 mins) before and after therapy. Receives: Other: Physical Therapy Exercises |
| Active Comparator: Manual Therapy (Group B) | Active comparator | Physical Therapy Intervention Name: Manual Therapy and Exercises
Description:
Participants will receive soft tissue mobilization, lumbar mobilization (PA glide, side-lying rotations), METs (pelvic tilts, hip flexor stretch), core exercises (bridge, dead bug), general stretching, hot pack (15-20 mins), and TENS (10 mins) before mobilization. No McKenzie techniques will be applied. Receives: Other: Physical Therapy Exercises; Other: Group B |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
To assess the change in pain intensity
Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10-centimeter scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores represent worse outcomes. Pain levels will be assessed from baseline to the end of the intervention period.
Measured: 6 Months
Secondary outcomes (1)
Disability score
Disability will be assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a 0-100 scale, to evaluate the degree of functional limitation in daily activities.
Measured: 6months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 May 2025
- Study start17 Feb 2025
- Primary completion17 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion17 Apr 2027 (estimated)
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
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: one receiving McKenzie Technique and the other receiving Manual Therapy. Both groups will receive interventions independently to compare outcomes on pain and function in low back pain patients.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Dr.Nadeem Ahmad, MS, Principal investigator, Riphah International University Malakand Campus
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06955117
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC01010SANA HAYAT
- Acronym
- LowBackpain
- Status last verified
- May 2025
- First submitted
- 24 Apr 2025
- Last updated
- 25 May 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 May 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Study of McKenzie Technique and Manual Therapy for Pain and Function in Low Back Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06955117
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- LowBackpain / REC01010SANA HAYAT
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain
- Keywords
- Low Back Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 17 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 17 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 17 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 May 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.
A comparative study evaluating the effectiveness of the McKenzie technique versus manual therapy in patients with nonspecific low back pain. The study aims to assess which intervention is more effective in reducing pain and improving functional mobility.
Detailed description
The study compares McKenzie Method, a directional preference-based approach involving repeated movements and posture correction, against Manual Therapy, which includes hands-on techniques such as mobilizations and manipulations. Patients with nonspecific low back pain will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups and treated over a defined period. Outcomes will be measured using pain and disability scores.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: one receiving McKenzie Technique and the other receiving Manual Therapy. Both groups will receive interventions independently to compare outcomes on pain and function in low back pain patients.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| McKenzie Technique (Group A) | Experimental | Other: Physical Therapy ExercisesExperimental - McKenzie Technique (Group A) Intervention Type: Physical Therapy Intervention Name: McKenzie Extension Exercises Description: This group will receive McKenzie-based physical therapy including postural correction, prone lying, prone on elbows, prone press-ups (3×10), soft tissue mobilization (5-10 mins), lumbar mobilization (PA glide, side-lying rotations), METs (pelvic tilts, hip flexor stretch), core exercises (bridge, dead bug), plus hot pack (15-20 mins) and TENS (10 mins) before and after therapy. |
| Active Comparator: Manual Therapy (Group B) | Active comparator | Other: Physical Therapy Exercises, Other: Group BPhysical Therapy Intervention Name: Manual Therapy and Exercises Description: Participants will receive soft tissue mobilization, lumbar mobilization (PA glide, side-lying rotations), METs (pelvic tilts, hip flexor stretch), core exercises (bridge, dead bug), general stretching, hot pack (15-20 mins), and TENS (10 mins) before mobilization. No McKenzie techniques will be applied. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 35 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Diagnosis of nonspecific low back pain lasting more than 4 weeks
- Willing to participate and comply with the study protocol
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- History of lumbar spine surgery
- Presence of spinal fracture, tumor, or infection
- Pregnant women
- Severe osteoporosis or spinal deformity
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapy ExercisesAlso: intervention for low backpainExperimental - McKenzie Technique (Group A) Intervention Type: Other: Physical Therapy Exercises Other Names: Intervention for low back pain Description: Soft Tissue Mobilization: Manual massage to release muscle tension (5-10 mins) Lumbar Mobilization Techniques: PA Mobilization (Posteroanterior glide) on the lumbar spine (Grade I-IV, 3-5 min per segment) Side-lying Rotational Mobilization (3 sets × 10 reps) Muscle Energy Techniques (METs): Pelvic Tilts (3 sets × 10 reps) Hip Flexor Stretch with Isometric Hold (3 sets × 10 sec per side) Core Stabilization Exercises: Bridge Exercise (3 sets × 10-15 reps) Dead Bug Exercise (3 sets × 10 reps per side) Modalities: Hot Pack (15-20 mins) for relaxation before therapy TENS (10 mins) for pain relief before mobilization | Other | Active Comparator: Manual Therapy (Group B), McKenzie Technique (Group A) |
| Group BAlso: Manual Therapy (Group B)Manual Therapy (Group B) Description: Soft Tissue Mobilization: Manual massage to release muscle tension (5-10 mins) Lumbar Mobilization Techniques: PA Mobilization (Posteroanterior glide) on the lumbar spine (Grade I-IV, 3-5 min per segment) Side-lying Rotational Mobilization (3 sets × 10 reps) Muscle Energy Techniques (METs): Pelvic Tilts (3 sets × 10 reps) Hip Flexor Stretch with Isometric Hold (3 sets × 10 sec per side) Core Stabilization Exercises: Bridge Exercise (3 sets × 10-15 reps) Dead Bug Exercise (3 sets × 10 reps per side) Modalities: Hot Pack (15-20 mins) for relaxation before therapy TENS (10 mins) for pain relief before mobilization | Other | Active Comparator: Manual Therapy (Group B) |
Primary outcome
To assess the change in pain intensity
Time frame: 6 Months
Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10-centimeter scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores represent worse outcomes. Pain levels will be assessed from baseline to the end of the intervention period.
1 secondary outcome
Disability score
Time frame: 6months
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 May 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Dr.Nadeem Ahmad, MS principal investigator
Riphah International University Malakand Campus
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Physical Therapy Exercises and Group B 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 2 inclusion and 4 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 May 2025. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Dr.Nadeem Ahmad, MS (03451915105, n.ahmad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
To assess the change in pain intensity (time frame: 6 Months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 25 May 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 4 Nov 2026.