Mechanical Low Back PainNCT07328126
Effect of Muscle Energy Technique on Latissimus Dorsi on Pain , Functional Disability and Range of Motion in Patients With Mechanical Low Back Pain
A study testing Conservative physical therapy and Post-facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapy in people with Mechanical Low Back Pain, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Mechanical low back pain (LBP) stems from spinal structures or surrounding tissues, often caused by overuse or trauma, and is prevalent globally with high recurrence rates. Key contributing factors include biomechanical, psychological, and social elements. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 30 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Mechanical Low Back Pain
- What is being tested?
- Conservative physical therapy and Post-facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapy
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 25 Jan 2025to 15 Dec 2026
- 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 30 to 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients had low back pain for more than 3 months Moderate disability (20 to 40 %) determined through Oswestry Disability Index Subjects with pain ranging 3 to 8 on NPRS Able to perform ROM of lumbar spine (flexion and extension) within range of pain Patient were not under any medical treatment (analgesics etc) both male and female
Who cannot join
- presence of any red flags (i.e tumor , metabolic disease, rheumatoid arthritis , osteoporosis , history of use of steroids ) SLR test positive Muscle weakness or paralysis of lower extremity Prior surgery of lumbar spine and pregnancy Any psychological problem
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
Foundation University Islamabad
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, 46000
Ali Bin Asim, MS-SPT, +923135088144, ali.asim@fui.edu.pk
About this study
Mechanical low back pain (LBP) stems from spinal structures or surrounding tissues, often caused by overuse or trauma, and is prevalent globally with high recurrence rates. Key contributing factors include biomechanical, psychological, and social elements. The latissimus dorsi (LD), along with other back muscles, plays a crucial role in lumbar stability via the thoracolumbar fascia. Stretching the LD has shown positive effects in reducing pain and improving function in chronic LBP patients. Physical therapy treatments include manual therapy, core stabilization, and flexibility exercises. Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), particularly targeting the LD, can enhance flexibility and spinal mobility when applied correctly.
Read the detailed description
Mechanical low back pain (MLBP) originates from structural components of the spine, such as intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments, or joints, and is commonly caused by repetitive trauma, poor posture, or overuse. It is a leading cause of functional disability worldwide, with high recurrence rates. Physiotherapy plays a central role in managing MLBP by addressing contributing biological, psychological, and social factors. The latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, due to its anatomical connection with the pelvis via the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), significantly influences lumbar stability. Impaired extensibility or overactivity of the LD can contribute to mechanical dysfunction. Incorporating LD stretching into rehabilitation protocols has shown enhanced outcomes in pain reduction and functional improvement. Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), particularly Post Facilitation Stretching, utilize controlled muscle contractions to improve flexibility and relieve tension in shortened muscles. Proper application of MET targeting the LD has demonstrated effectiveness in increasing range of motion and supporting spinal stability in patients with chronic low back pain.
- Conditions
- Mechanical Low Back Pain
- Being tested
- Conservative physical therapy, Post-facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapy
- 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.
Conservative physical therapyProcedure or surgery
Hot pack + TENS (10 min), followed by a structured program of warm-up, 20-minute core/back strengthening, stretching (hip flexors, hamstrings, lumbar extensors), and cool-down exercises.
Post-facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapyProcedure or surgery
Receives the same conservative physical therapy as the control group plus Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Energy Technique (isometric contraction for 10seconds, relaxation 2-3seconds, followed by 10seconds stretch, applied bilaterally each session).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative physical therapy | Active comparator | Hot pack + TENS (10 min), followed by a structured program of warm-up, 20-minute core/back strengthening, stretching (hip flexors, hamstrings, lumbar extensors), and cool-down exercises. Receives: Procedure: Conservative physical therapy |
| Post facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapy | Experimental | Receives the same conservative physical therapy as the control group plus Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Energy Technique (isometric contraction for 10seconds, relaxation 2-3seconds, followed by 10seconds stretch, applied bilaterally each session). Receives: Procedure: Post-facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Low back pain
Numeric Pain Rating Scale will be used. An 11-point scale comprising a number from 0 through 10; 0 indicates "no pain", and 10 indicates the "worst imaginable pain". Patients are instructed to choose a single number from the scale that best indicates their level of pain.
Measured: 4 weeks
Functional Disability of back
Oswestry disability index will be used. To evaluate the functional impact of low back pain on a person's daily life.
It consists of 10 items on the degree of severity to which back (or leg) trouble has affected the ability to manage in everyday life. The 10 sections cover the pain and the daily function (including pain intensity, personal hygiene, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, sexual activity, social activity, and traveling). Each item is rated on a 6-point scale (0-5); the higher score means the higher level of disability related to LBP. The present study used the traditional Chinese version of the ODI 2.1
Measured: 4 weeks
Range of motion of low back.
Dual Inclinometer will be used. It is a handheld, circular, fluid-filled disc that has a weighted gravity pendulum attached to it that is maintained in the vertical direction. It is graduated by 0.5 degree intervals over 360.
Measured: 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Jan 2026
- Study start25 Jan 2025
- Primary completion30 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Mechanical Low Back PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Foundation University IslamabadThe 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
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Laraib Khurshid, DPT, Principal investigator, Foundation University Islamabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07328126
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/07
- Status last verified
- Oct 2025
- First submitted
- 26 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 8 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Muscle Energy Technique on Latissimus Dorsi on Pain , Functional Disability and Range of Motion in Patients With Mechanical Low Back Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07328126
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/07
- Conditions
- Mechanical Low Back Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 Jan 2026 (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.
Mechanical low back pain (LBP) stems from spinal structures or surrounding tissues, often caused by overuse or trauma, and is prevalent globally with high recurrence rates. Key contributing factors include biomechanical, psychological, and social elements. The latissimus dorsi (LD), along with other back muscles, plays a crucial role in lumbar stability via the thoracolumbar fascia. Stretching the LD has shown positive effects in reducing pain and improving function in chronic LBP patients. Physical therapy treatments include manual therapy, core stabilization, and flexibility exercises. Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), particularly targeting the LD, can enhance flexibility and spinal mobility when applied correctly.
Detailed description
Mechanical low back pain (MLBP) originates from structural components of the spine, such as intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments, or joints, and is commonly caused by repetitive trauma, poor posture, or overuse. It is a leading cause of functional disability worldwide, with high recurrence rates. Physiotherapy plays a central role in managing MLBP by addressing contributing biological, psychological, and social factors. The latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, due to its anatomical connection with the pelvis via the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), significantly influences lumbar stability. Impaired extensibility or overactivity of the LD can contribute to mechanical dysfunction. Incorporating LD stretching into rehabilitation protocols has shown enhanced outcomes in pain reduction and functional improvement. Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), particularly Post Facilitation Stretching, utilize controlled muscle contractions to improve flexibility and relieve tension in shortened muscles. Proper application of MET targeting the LD has demonstrated effectiveness in increasing range of motion and supporting spinal stability in patients with chronic low back pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative physical therapy | Active comparator | Procedure: Conservative physical therapyHot pack + TENS (10 min), followed by a structured program of warm-up, 20-minute core/back strengthening, stretching (hip flexors, hamstrings, lumbar extensors), and cool-down exercises. |
| Post facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapy | Experimental | Procedure: Post-facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapyReceives the same conservative physical therapy as the control group plus Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Energy Technique (isometric contraction for 10seconds, relaxation 2-3seconds, followed by 10seconds stretch, applied bilaterally each session). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 30 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Patients had low back pain for more than 3 months Moderate disability (20 to 40 %) determined through Oswestry Disability Index Subjects with pain ranging 3 to 8 on NPRS Able to perform ROM of lumbar spine (flexion and extension) within range of pain Patient were not under any medical treatment (analgesics etc) both male and female
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- presence of any red flags (i.e tumor , metabolic disease, rheumatoid arthritis , osteoporosis , history of use of steroids ) SLR test positive Muscle weakness or paralysis of lower extremity Prior surgery of lumbar spine and pregnancy Any psychological problem
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative physical therapyHot pack + TENS (10 min), followed by a structured program of warm-up, 20-minute core/back strengthening, stretching (hip flexors, hamstrings, lumbar extensors), and cool-down exercises. | Procedure or surgery | Conservative physical therapy |
| Post-facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapyReceives the same conservative physical therapy as the control group plus Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Energy Technique (isometric contraction for 10seconds, relaxation 2-3seconds, followed by 10seconds stretch, applied bilaterally each session). | Procedure or surgery | Post facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapy |
Primary outcome
Low back pain
Time frame: 4 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale will be used. An 11-point scale comprising a number from 0 through 10; 0 indicates "no pain", and 10 indicates the "worst imaginable pain". Patients are instructed to choose a single number from the scale that best indicates their level of pain.
Functional Disability of back
Time frame: 4 weeks
Oswestry disability index will be used. To evaluate the functional impact of low back pain on a person's daily life. It consists of 10 items on the degree of severity to which back (or leg) trouble has affected the ability to manage in everyday life. The 10 sections cover the pain and the daily function (including pain intensity, personal hygiene, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, sexual activity, social activity, and traveling). Each item is rated on a 6-point scale (0-5); the higher score means the higher level of disability related to LBP. The present study used the traditional Chinese version of the ODI 2.1
Range of motion of low back.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Dual Inclinometer will be used. It is a handheld, circular, fluid-filled disc that has a weighted gravity pendulum attached to it that is maintained in the vertical direction. It is graduated by 0.5 degree intervals over 360.
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 8 Jan 2026.
Related trials for Mechanical 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
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Effect of Dry Needling Plus Vibration on Myofascial Trigger Points in Individuals With Nonspecific Low Back Pain
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Fusion or Not - a Study on Low Back Pain
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Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release on Low Back Pain With Lower Cross Syndrome
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Adia Med of Winter Park LLC Lower Back Pain Research Study
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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.
Laraib Khurshid, DPT principal investigator
Foundation University Islamabad
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Conservative physical therapy and Post-facilitation stretch of latissimus dorsi with conservative physical therapy in people with Mechanical Low Back Pain, run by Foundation University Islamabad 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 1 inclusion and 1 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 8 Jan 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?
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 Laraib Khurshid, DPT (+923135965114, laraibhamza20@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Low back pain (time frame: 4 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. 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 8 Jan 2026.