Chronic Non-specific Low Back PainNCT07724704
McGill Versus Sahrmann's Exercises for Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
A study testing McGill Stabilization Exercise Protocol and Sahrmann's Exercise Protocol in people with Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of McGill stabilization exercises and Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain
- What is being tested?
- McGill Stabilization Exercise Protocol and Sahrmann's Exercise Protocol
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 16 Jul 2026to 16 Sep 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 20 to 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 20-50 years.
- Male and female participants.
- Diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain lasting more than 12 weeks.
- Pain intensity of 3-4 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) at baseline.
- Able and willing to participate in the exercise program and attend all treatment sessions.
- Willing to provide written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- History of spinal surgery.
- Presence of neurological deficits.
- Structural spinal deformities.
- Pregnancy or within 6 months postpartum.
- Presence of red flag signs or systemic illness (e.g., fracture, infection, malignancy, inflammatory disorders).
- Individuals unable or unwilling to participate in the exercise program or complete the study protocol.
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
Lahore Clinic Shujabad, THQ Hospital Shujabad
Lahore, Punjab Province, 60000
Annum Manzoor, MS-OMPT, 03324880984, drannummanzoor20@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Effects of McGill Versus Sahrmann's Protocol on Pain, Range of Motion and Disability in Chronic Non- Specific Low Back Pain
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of McGill stabilization exercises and Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain. The study aims to determine which exercise program is more effective in reducing pain, improving lumbar range of motion, and decreasing functional disability.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Read more
Do McGill stabilization exercises reduce pain, improve lumbar range of motion, and decrease disability in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain? Are McGill stabilization exercises more effective than Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol in improving pain, lumbar range of motion, and functional disability?
Researchers will compare the McGill stabilization exercise group with the Sahrmann exercise group to determine which intervention provides greater improvements in clinical outcomes.
Participants will:
Be randomly assigned to either the McGill stabilization exercise group or the Sahrmann exercise group.
Receive baseline physiotherapy, including hot pack application, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), lumbar isometric exercises, pelvic tilts, knee-to-chest exercises, and manual therapy.
Attend supervised treatment sessions 2-3 times per week for 6 weeks. Complete outcome assessments before and after treatment using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for disability, and a bubble inclinometer to measure lumbar range of motion.
This study will provide evidence on the comparative effectiveness of two commonly used physiotherapy exercise protocols and help identify the most effective rehabilitation approach for managing chronic non-specific low back pain.
Read the detailed description
Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and is associated with persistent pain, reduced spinal mobility, impaired motor control, and limitations in daily activities. Unlike specific low back pain, CNSLBP has no identifiable pathological cause, making rehabilitation through exercise therapy the primary treatment approach. Current clinical guidelines recommend exercise-based interventions to improve pain, function, and quality of life; however, there is no consensus regarding the most effective exercise protocol for individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Among the commonly prescribed physiotherapy interventions are the McGill stabilization exercise program and Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol. The McGill approach focuses on enhancing spinal stability by improving core muscle endurance and minimizing excessive spinal loading through spine-sparing stabilization exercises. In contrast, Sahrmann's protocol emphasizes correction of movement impairments, restoration of normal lumbopelvic movement patterns, and activation of deep stabilizing muscles to improve motor control and functional movement.
Although both rehabilitation approaches have demonstrated beneficial effects when studied individually, direct comparative evidence regarding their effectiveness in improving pain, lumbar range of motion, and functional disability remains limited. Existing studies have primarily evaluated each intervention separately or compared them with conventional physiotherapy rather than with each other. Consequently, clinicians have limited evidence to guide the selection of the most appropriate exercise protocol for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
This randomized controlled trial is designed to compare the clinical effectiveness of McGill stabilization exercises and Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain. Clinical outcomes will be evaluated using validated measures of pain intensity, lumbar range of motion, and functional disability before and after the intervention period. The findings are expected to clarify whether one exercise approach provides superior improvements in patient outcomes and functional recovery.
The results of this study will contribute to evidence-based physiotherapy practice by providing comparative evidence on two widely used rehabilitation protocols. Identifying the more effective intervention may assist physiotherapists in selecting appropriate exercise programs, improving clinical decision-making, optimizing rehabilitation outcomes, and supporting the development of standardized conservative management strategies for individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.
- Conditions
- Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain
- Being tested
- McGill Stabilization Exercise Protocol, Sahrmann's Exercise Protocol
- Keywords
- Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain, McGill Stabilization Exercise Protocol, Sahrmann Exercise Protocol, Pain Intensity, Lumbar Range of Motion, Functional Disability, Core Stabilization Exercises, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Bubble Inclinometer
- Medical subject headings
- Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
McGill Stabilization Exercise ProtocolBehavioural
A progressive exercise program consisting of McGill stabilization exercises aimed at enhancing core muscle endurance, spinal stability, and neuromuscular control while reducing pain and improving lumbar function in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Sahrmann's Exercise ProtocolBehavioural
A progressive movement-based exercise program designed to improve motor control, activate deep stabilizing muscles, correct faulty movement patterns, and enhance functional performance in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| McGill Stabilization Exercise Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive the McGill stabilization exercise protocol in addition to baseline physiotherapy. The exercise program is designed to improve core stability, spinal stability, lumbar range of motion, reduce pain, and improve functional ability in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. The intervention will be administered according to the study protocol for 6 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: McGill Stabilization Exercise Protocol |
| Sahrmann's Exercise Protocol Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive the Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol in addition to baseline physiotherapy. The program focuses on improving lumbopelvic control, correcting movement impairments, restoring normal movement patterns, reducing pain, increasing lumbar range of motion, and improving functional ability over a 6-week intervention period. Receives: Behavioral: Sahrmann's Exercise Protocol |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The NPRS is a valid and reliable self-reported pain assessment tool that measures pain intensity on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 ("no pain") to 10 ("worst imaginable pain"). Participants will be asked to select the number that best represents their current pain intensity. A decrease in the NPRS score indicates an improvement in pain following the intervention.
Measured: [Time Frame: 6 Weeks]
2. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Functional disability will be assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The ODI is a disease-specific, validated questionnaire used to evaluate disability associated with chronic low back pain. It consists of 10 sections covering pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, social life, travelling, and employment/homemaking. Each section is scored from 0 to 5, with higher total scores indicating greater disability. A reduction in the ODI score reflects improvement in functional status and daily activities.
Measured: [Time Frame: 6 Weeks]
Secondary outcomes (1)
3. Bubble Inclinometer
Lumbar range of motion (ROM) will be measured using a bubble inclinometer, a reliable and valid instrument for assessing spinal mobility. Measurements will be obtained for lumbar flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left rotation according to standardized measurement procedures. The bubble inclinometer provides objective assessment of lumbar spinal movement in degrees. An increase in lumbar range of motion indicates improvement following the intervention.
Measured: [Time Frame: 6 Weeks]
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Jul 2026
- Study start16 Jul 2026
- Primary completion16 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion16 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Non-specific 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 will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel intervention groups. One group will receive the McGill stabilization exercise protocol, while the other group will receive the Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol. Both groups will receive their assigned intervention concurrently throughout the study period, and outcomes will be compared between the groups to determine the relative effectiveness of the two exercise protocols in improving pain, lumbar range of motion, and functional disability in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Annum Manzoor, MS OMPT, Principal investigator, Gulab Devi Teaching institute
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07724704
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0146
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 21 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 24 Jul 2026
- 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 24 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of McGill Versus Sahrmann's Protocol on Pain, Range of Motion and Disability in Chronic Non- Specific Low Back Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07724704
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0146
- Conditions
- Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain
- Keywords
- Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain, McGill Stabilization Exercise Protocol, Sahrmann Exercise Protocol, Pain Intensity, Lumbar Range of Motion, Functional Disability, Core Stabilization Exercises, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 16 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 16 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 16 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 24 Jul 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.
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of McGill stabilization exercises and Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain. The study aims to determine which exercise program is more effective in reducing pain, improving lumbar range of motion, and decreasing functional disability.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Do McGill stabilization exercises reduce pain, improve lumbar range of motion, and decrease disability in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain? Are McGill stabilization exercises more effective than Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol in improving pain, lumbar range of motion, and functional disability?
Researchers will compare the McGill stabilization exercise group with the Sahrmann exercise group to determine which intervention provides greater improvements in clinical outcomes.
Participants will:
Be randomly assigned to either the McGill stabilization exercise group or the Sahrmann exercise group.
Receive baseline physiotherapy, including hot pack application, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), lumbar isometric exercises, pelvic tilts, knee-to-chest exercises, and manual therapy.
Attend supervised treatment sessions 2-3 times per week for 6 weeks. Complete outcome assessments before and after treatment using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for disability, and a bubble inclinometer to measure lumbar range of motion.
This study will provide evidence on the comparative effectiveness of two commonly used physiotherapy exercise protocols and help identify the most effective rehabilitation approach for managing chronic non-specific low back pain.
Detailed description
Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and is associated with persistent pain, reduced spinal mobility, impaired motor control, and limitations in daily activities. Unlike specific low back pain, CNSLBP has no identifiable pathological cause, making rehabilitation through exercise therapy the primary treatment approach. Current clinical guidelines recommend exercise-based interventions to improve pain, function, and quality of life; however, there is no consensus regarding the most effective exercise protocol for individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Among the commonly prescribed physiotherapy interventions are the McGill stabilization exercise program and Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol. The McGill approach focuses on enhancing spinal stability by improving core muscle endurance and minimizing excessive spinal loading through spine-sparing stabilization exercises. In contrast, Sahrmann's protocol emphasizes correction of movement impairments, restoration of normal lumbopelvic movement patterns, and activation of deep stabilizing muscles to improve motor control and functional movement.
Although both rehabilitation approaches have demonstrated beneficial effects when studied individually, direct comparative evidence regarding their effectiveness in improving pain, lumbar range of motion, and functional disability remains limited. Existing studies have primarily evaluated each intervention separately or compared them with conventional physiotherapy rather than with each other. Consequently, clinicians have limited evidence to guide the selection of the most appropriate exercise protocol for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
This randomized controlled trial is designed to compare the clinical effectiveness of McGill stabilization exercises and Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain. Clinical outcomes will be evaluated using validated measures of pain intensity, lumbar range of motion, and functional disability before and after the intervention period. The findings are expected to clarify whether one exercise approach provides superior improvements in patient outcomes and functional recovery.
The results of this study will contribute to evidence-based physiotherapy practice by providing comparative evidence on two widely used rehabilitation protocols. Identifying the more effective intervention may assist physiotherapists in selecting appropriate exercise programs, improving clinical decision-making, optimizing rehabilitation outcomes, and supporting the development of standardized conservative management strategies for individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel intervention groups. One group will receive the McGill stabilization exercise protocol, while the other group will receive the Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol. Both groups will receive their assigned intervention concurrently throughout the study period, and outcomes will be compared between the groups to determine the relative effectiveness of the two exercise protocols in improving pain, lumbar range of motion, and functional disability in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| McGill Stabilization Exercise Group | Experimental | Behavioral: McGill Stabilization Exercise ProtocolParticipants in this group will receive the McGill stabilization exercise protocol in addition to baseline physiotherapy. The exercise program is designed to improve core stability, spinal stability, lumbar range of motion, reduce pain, and improve functional ability in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. The intervention will be administered according to the study protocol for 6 weeks. |
| Sahrmann's Exercise Protocol Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Sahrmann's Exercise ProtocolParticipants in this group will receive the Sahrmann's movement-based exercise protocol in addition to baseline physiotherapy. The program focuses on improving lumbopelvic control, correcting movement impairments, restoring normal movement patterns, reducing pain, increasing lumbar range of motion, and improving functional ability over a 6-week intervention period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Adults aged 20-50 years.
- Male and female participants.
- Diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain lasting more than 12 weeks.
- Pain intensity of 3-4 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) at baseline.
- Able and willing to participate in the exercise program and attend all treatment sessions.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- History of spinal surgery.
- Presence of neurological deficits.
- Structural spinal deformities.
- Pregnancy or within 6 months postpartum.
- Presence of red flag signs or systemic illness (e.g., fracture, infection, malignancy, inflammatory disorders).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| McGill Stabilization Exercise ProtocolA progressive exercise program consisting of McGill stabilization exercises aimed at enhancing core muscle endurance, spinal stability, and neuromuscular control while reducing pain and improving lumbar function in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. | Behavioural | McGill Stabilization Exercise Group |
| Sahrmann's Exercise ProtocolA progressive movement-based exercise program designed to improve motor control, activate deep stabilizing muscles, correct faulty movement patterns, and enhance functional performance in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. | Behavioural | Sahrmann's Exercise Protocol Group |
Primary outcome
1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: [Time Frame: 6 Weeks]
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The NPRS is a valid and reliable self-reported pain assessment tool that measures pain intensity on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 ("no pain") to 10 ("worst imaginable pain"). Participants will be asked to select the number that best represents their current pain intensity. A decrease in the NPRS score indicates an improvement in pain following the intervention.
2. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Time frame: [Time Frame: 6 Weeks]
Functional disability will be assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The ODI is a disease-specific, validated questionnaire used to evaluate disability associated with chronic low back pain. It consists of 10 sections covering pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, social life, travelling, and employment/homemaking. Each section is scored from 0 to 5, with higher total scores indicating greater disability. A reduction in the ODI score reflects improvement in functional status and daily activities.
1 secondary outcome
3. Bubble Inclinometer
Time frame: [Time Frame: 6 Weeks]
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 24 Jul 2026.
- 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.
Annum Manzoor, MS OMPT principal investigator
Gulab Devi Teaching institute
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing McGill Stabilization Exercise Protocol and Sahrmann's Exercise Protocol in people with Chronic Non-specific 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 6 inclusion and 6 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 24 Jul 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 Imran Amjad, Phd (03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: [Time Frame: 6 Weeks]). The study lists 2 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 24 Jul 2026.