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Non-specific Chronic Low Back PainNCT07470307

Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises Versus Pilates, Combined With Myofascial Release in Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

A study testing Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises and Pilates Exercises with Myofascial Release in people with Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain, run by Maheen Rauf at 1 site in Pakistan.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of dynamic lumbar strengthening exercises combined with myofascial release versus Pilates combined with myofascial release in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 25 to 35 years
Conditions the study is for
Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain
What is being tested?
Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises and Pilates Exercises with Myofascial Release
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
19 Mar 2026to 20 May 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 25 to 35 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Male and female aged between 25 to 35 years. History of persistent low back pain for more than 3 months. Pain intensity with a score > 3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Functional disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), with scores ranging from 20% to 60%

Who cannot join

  • Individuals with acute or subacute low back pain. Presence of systemic illnesses or specific spinal pathologies. Psychological disorders such as severe anxiety or depression affecting participation.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Maheen Rauf, MS MSK contact

0303 8452456

maheenrauf08@gmail.com

Montiha Azeem, MSPTN contact

03479717317

muntahaazeem9@gmail.com

Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
  • University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000

    Maheen Rauf, MS MSK, 03038452456, maheenrauf08@gmail.com

    Montiha Azeem, MSPTN, 03479717317, muntahaazeem9@gmail.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of dynamic lumbar strengthening exercises combined with myofascial release versus Pilates combined with myofascial release in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain.

Non-specific chronic low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting adults and is associated with pain, reduced spinal mobility, and functional disability. Exercise-based rehabilitation programs and manual therapy techniques are commonly used to improve functional outcomes in these patients. Dynamic lumbar strengthening exercises focus on improving spinal stability and strengthening trunk musculature, whereas Pilates exercises emphasize core muscle activation, postural control, and controlled movement patterns. Myofascial release is a manual therapy technique used to reduce fascial restrictions, improve soft tissue mobility, and decrease pain.

Read more

In this randomized controlled trial, a total of 60 participants aged between 25 and 35 years with non-specific chronic low back pain lasting more than three months will be recruited from the Physiotherapy Department of the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive dynamic lumbar strengthening exercises combined with myofascial release, while Group B will receive Pilates exercises combined with myofascial release.

Both groups will also receive baseline therapy consisting of therapeutic massage, interferential therapy, and therapeutic ultrasound applied to the lumbosacral region. The exercise programs will be conducted for eight weeks on alternate days, with each session lasting approximately 20-25 minutes.

Outcome measures will include pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional disability measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and lumbar range of motion measured using an inclinometer. Assessments will be conducted at baseline before the intervention and after completion of the 8-week intervention period.

The findings of this study will help determine which exercise approach combined with myofascial release is more effective in reducing pain, improving functional disability, and enhancing spinal mobility in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. The results may contribute to evidence-based physiotherapy management and improve rehabilitation strategies for patients with chronic low back pain.

Read the detailed description

Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that significantly affects quality of life, physical function, and work productivity. It is characterized by persistent pain in the lumbar region lasting longer than three months without a specific identifiable pathology. Conservative physiotherapy interventions including therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques are commonly used to manage symptoms and improve functional outcomes.

Dynamic lumbar strengthening exercises are designed to enhance spinal stability by strengthening key trunk muscles such as the erector spinae, rectus abdominis, and other core stabilizers. These exercises improve neuromuscular control, spinal support, and functional movement patterns. Pilates-based exercises, on the other hand, focus on controlled movements, core stabilization, breathing control, and activation of deep stabilizing muscles including the transversus abdominis and multifidus.

Myofascial release (MFR) is a manual therapy technique that applies gentle sustained pressure and stretching to fascial tissues to reduce fascial restrictions, improve tissue mobility, and relieve musculoskeletal pain. Combining exercise therapy with myofascial release may enhance therapeutic outcomes in individuals with chronic low back pain.

This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Physiotherapy Department of the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. A total of 60 participants aged 25-35 years diagnosed with non-specific chronic low back pain for more than three months will be recruited using convenient sampling. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria will provide written informed consent prior to enrollment.

Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups using a computer-generated randomization method:

Group A: Dynamic lumbar strengthening exercises combined with myofascial release.

Group B: Pilates exercises combined with myofascial release.

Both groups will receive baseline treatment consisting of therapeutic massage techniques (effleurage, petrissage, stripping, friction, and tapotement), interferential therapy, and therapeutic ultrasound applied to the lumbosacral region.

The exercise intervention will be conducted for eight weeks on alternate days, with each session lasting approximately 20-25 minutes. Dynamic lumbar strengthening exercises will include movements such as bird dog, glute bridge, dead bug, side-lying leg lifts, and modified superman. The Pilates program will include exercises such as pelvic tilts, pelvic curl, modified hundred, single-leg stretch, swimming, and knee folds, performed with emphasis on core activation and controlled breathing.

Myofascial release techniques will be applied to the thoracolumbar fascia in the prone position using standardized manual techniques including sustained pressure, longitudinal gliding, and bilateral or unilateral fascial stretching.

Outcome measures will include pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional disability assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and lumbar range of motion measured using an inclinometer. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after completion of the 8-week intervention.

The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of dynamic lumbar strengthening exercises versus Pilates exercises when combined with myofascial release for the management of non-specific chronic low back pain.

Being tested
Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises, Pilates Exercises with Myofascial Release
Keywords
Non-specific chronic low back pain, Lumbar strengthening exercises, Dynamic lumbar stabilization, Pilates exercises

What participants receive

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

  • Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening ExercisesBehavioural

    Dynamic lumbar strengthening exercises will be performed to improve spinal stability and strengthen trunk musculature in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. The exercise program will include bird dog, glute bridge, dead bug, side-lying leg lifts, and modified superman exercises. Sessions will be conducted on a mat under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Each session will last approximately 20-25 minutes and will be performed on alternate days for a total duration of 8 weeks. Exercise intensity and repetitions will be gradually progressed according to the participant's tolerance while maintaining correct posture and controlled movement.

  • Pilates Exercises with Myofascial ReleaseBehavioural

    Participants will receive Pilates-based exercises combined with myofascial release therapy for the treatment of non-specific chronic low back pain. The Pilates program will focus on core muscle activation, breathing control, and spinal mobility. Exercises will include pelvic tilts, pelvic curl (bridge), modified hundred, single-leg stretch, swimming exercise, and knee folds performed on a mat under physiotherapist supervision. Each session will last approximately 20-25 minutes and will be conducted on alternate days for 8 weeks. Myofascial release techniques will be applied to the thoracolumbar fascia using standardized manual therapy techniques for approximately 4-6 minutes per session

Study groups in NCT07470307
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
group A Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises with Myofascial ReleaseExperimentalParticipants in this group will receive dynamic lumbar strengthening exercises combined with myofascial release therapy for the management of non-specific chronic low back pain. The exercise program will include bird dog, glute bridge, dead bug, side-lying leg lifts, and modified superman exercises performed on a mat. Each session will last approximately 20-25 minutes and will be conducted on alternate days for 8 weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Myofascial release techniques will be applied to the thoracolumbar fascia using sustained pressure, longitudinal gliding, and fascial stretching techniques for approximately 4-6 minutes per session. Participants will also receive baseline therapy including therapeutic massage, interferential therapy, and therapeutic ultrasound applied to the lumbosacral region.
Receives: Behavioral: Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises
group B Pilates Exercises with Myofascial ReleaseActive comparatorParticipants in this group will receive Pilates-based exercises combined with myofascial release therapy for the treatment of non-specific chronic low back pain. The Pilates program will focus on core stabilization, breathing control, and spinal mobility. Exercises will include pelvic tilts, pelvic curl, modified hundred, single-leg stretch, swimming, and knee folds performed on a mat. Each session will last approximately 20-25 minutes and will be conducted on alternate days for a period of 8 weeks under physiotherapist supervision. Myofascial release techniques will be applied to the thoracolumbar fascia using standardized manual techniques for approximately 4-6 minutes per session. Participants will also receive baseline therapy including therapeutic massage, interferential therapy, and therapeutic ultrasound applied to the lumbosacral region.
Receives: Behavioral: Pilates Exercises with Myofascial Release

What is being measured

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

  1. Pain Intensity Measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The VAS consists of a 10-cm horizontal line anchored with two descriptors: "no pain" at 0 and "worst imaginable pain" at 10. Participants will mark their perceived pain intensity on the line, and the score will be recorded in centimeters to quantify pain severity.

    Measured: Baseline, 2 weeks and after 8 weeks

Timeline

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

  1. First posted13 Mar 2026
  2. Study start19 Mar 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion19 May 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion20 May 2026 (estimated)

Resources

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
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07470307
Sponsor's protocol ID
UOL/IREB/25/15/03/19
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
9 Mar 2026
Last updated
17 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises and Pilates Exercises with Myofascial Release in people with Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain, run by Maheen Rauf 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 17 Mar 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 Maheen Rauf, MS MSK (0303 8452456, maheenrauf08@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Pain Intensity Measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (time frame: Baseline, 2 weeks and after 8 weeks). 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 17 Mar 2026.

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