Deep Tissue Massage in Office Workers With Chronic Low Back Pain

NCT05690178 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: DTM-CLBP-OW
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of deep tissue massage on subjective and objective parameters in a group of office workers with chronic low back pain. Specific objectives:

• Assessment of the impact of deep tissue massage on the level of pain
• Assessment of the impact of deep tissue massage on the level of disability
• Assessment of the impact of deep tissue massage on the mobility of the lumbar spine
• Assessment of the effect of deep tissue massage on the discomfort threshold of tissue compression in the area of the erector spinae muscle
• Assessment of the impact of deep tissue massage on the biophysical parameters of the soft tissues of the erector spinae muscle
• Evaluation of the impact of deep tissue massage on the bioelectric potentials of the erector spinae muscle during everyday activities and the flexion-relaxation test Hypotheses:
• Deep tissue massage will reduce the level of pain in the lumbar spine
• Deep tissue massage will reduce the level of disability
• Deep tissue massage will increase the range of motion of the lumbar spine in all directions
• Deep tissue massage will reduce the threshold of discomfort when compressing the soft tissues of the erector spinae muscle
• Deep tissue massage will reduce muscle tone and stiffness and increase the elasticity of the back extensor muscle
• Deep tissue massage will increase the bioelectrical potentials of the erector spinae muscle while performing tests of activities of daily living
• Deep tissue massage will reduce the value of the flexion-relaxation test

Conditions

Chronic Low-back Pain

Keywords

Chronic Low-back Pain; Range of motion; Pressure pain threshold; Myoton; Muscle properties; Surface electromyography; Oswestry Disability Index; Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire; Disability; Visual Analogue Scale; Deep Tissue Massage; Manual Therapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (94)

• Lumbar anterior flexion (PRE)

  Electrogoniometric measurement of the angular range of motion the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Lumbar anterior flexion (POST)

  Electrogoniometric measurement of the angular range of motion the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Lumbar posterior flexion (PRE)

  Electrogoniometric measurement of the angular range of motion the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Lumbar posterior flexion (POST)

  Electrogoniometric measurement of the angular range of motion the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Lumbar right flexion (PRE)

  Electrogoniometric measurement of the angular range of motion the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Lumbar right flexion (POST)

  Electrogoniometric measurement of the angular range of motion the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Lumbar left flexion (PRE)

  Electrogoniometric measurement of the angular range of motion the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Lumbar left flexion (POST)

  Electrogoniometric measurement of the angular range of motion the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Lumbar right rotation (PRE)

  Electrogoniometric measurement of the angular range of motion the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Lumbar right rotation (POST)

  Electrogoniometric measurement of the angular range of motion the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Lumbar left rotation (PRE)

  Electrogoniometric measurement of the angular range of motion the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Lumbar left rotation (POST)

  Electrogoniometric measurement of the angular range of motion the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Stiffness (S) of the right longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Myotonometer examination of soft tissue properties the day before the intervention

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Stiffness (S) of the right longissimus muscle (POST)

  Myotonometer examination of soft tissue properties the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Stiffness (S) of the left longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Myotonometer examination of soft tissue properties the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Stiffness (S) of the left longissimus muscle (POST)

  Myotonometer examination of soft tissue properties the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Elasticity (D) of the right longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Myotonometer examination of soft tissue properties the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Elasticity (D) of the right longissimus muscle (POST)

  Myotonometer examination of soft tissue properties the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Elasticity (D) of the left longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Myotonometer examination of soft tissue properties the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Elasticity (D) of the left longissimus muscle (POST)

  Myotonometer examination of soft tissue properties the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Muscle tone (F) of the right longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Myotonometer examination of soft tissue properties the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Muscle tone (F) of the right longissimus muscle (POST)

  Myotonometer examination of soft tissue properties the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Muscle tone (F) of the left longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Myotonometer examination of soft tissue properties the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Muscle tone (F) of the left longissimus muscle (POST)

  Myotonometer examination of soft tissue properties the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the right longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Examination of the first discomfort threshold using an algometer the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the right longissimus muscle (POST)

  Examination of the first discomfort threshold using an algometer the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the left longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Examination of the first discomfort threshold using an algometer the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the left longissimus muscle (POST)

  Examination of the first discomfort threshold using an algometer the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - MVC for right longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of maximal voluntary contraction of the right longissimus muscle the day before therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - MVC for right longissimus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of maximal voluntary contraction of the right longissimus muscle the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - MVC for left longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of maximal voluntary contraction of the left longissimus muscle the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - MVC for left longissimus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of maximal voluntary contraction of the left longissimus muscle the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - MVC for right iliocostalis muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of maximal voluntary contraction of the left longissimus muscle the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - MVC for right iliocostalis muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of maximal voluntary contraction of the right iliocostalis muscle the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - MVC for left iliocostalis muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of maximal voluntary contraction of the left longissimus muscle the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - MVC for left iliocostalis muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of maximal voluntary contraction of the left longissimus muscle the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - MVC for right multifidus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of maximal voluntary contraction of the right multifidus muscle the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - MVC for right multifidus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of maximal voluntary contraction of the right multifidus muscle the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - MVC for left multifidus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of maximal voluntary contraction of the left multifidus muscle the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - MVC for left multifidus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of maximal voluntary contraction of the left multifidus muscle the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - FR test for right longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right longissimus muscle during the Flexion-Relaxation test the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - FR test for right longissimus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right longissimus muscle during the Flexion-Relaxation test the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - FR test for left longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the Flexion-Relaxation test the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - FR test for left longissimus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the Flexion-Relaxation test the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - FR test for right iliocostalis muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the Flexion-Relaxation test the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - FR test for right iliocostalis muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the Flexion-Relaxation test the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - FR test for left iliocostalis muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the Flexion-Relaxation test the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - FR test for left iliocostalis muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the Flexion-Relaxation test the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - FR test for right multifidus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the Flexion-Relaxation test the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - FR test for right multifidus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the Flexion-Relaxation test the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - FR test for left multifidus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the Flexion-Relaxation test the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - FR test for left multifidus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left multifidus muscle during the Flexion-Relaxation test the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - sitting and standing test for right longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left multifidus muscle during sitting and standing test the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - sitting and standing test for right longissimus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right longissimus muscle during sitting and standing test the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - sitting and standing test for left longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during sitting and standing test the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - sitting and standing test for left longissimus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during sitting and standing test the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - sitting and standing test for right iliocostalis muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right iliocostalis muscle during sitting and standing test the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - sitting and standing test for right iliocostalis muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right iliocostalis muscle during sitting and standing test the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - sitting and standing test for left iliocostalis muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left iliocostalis muscle during sitting and standing test the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - sitting and standing test for left iliocostalis muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left iliocostalis muscle during sitting and standing test the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - sitting and standing test for right multifidus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right multifidus muscle during sitting and standing test the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - sitting and standing test for right multifidus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right multifidus muscle during sitting and standing test the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - sitting and standing test for left multifidus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left multifidus muscle during sitting and standing test the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - sitting and standing test for left multifidus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left multifidus muscle during sitting and standing test the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (1 kg) for right longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right longissimus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (1 kg) for right longissimus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right longissimus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (1 kg) for left longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (1 kg) for left longissimus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (1 kg) for right iliocostalis muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right iliocostalis muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (1 kg) for right iliocostalis muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right iliocostalis muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (1 kg) for left iliocostalis muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left iliocostalis muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (1 kg) for left iliocostalis muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left iliocostalis muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (1 kg) for right multifidus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right multifidus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (1 kg) for right multifidus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right multifidus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (1 kg) for left multifidus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left multifidus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (1 kg) for left multifidus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left multifidus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (2 kg) for right longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right longissimus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (2 kg) for right longissimus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right longissimus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (2 kg) for left longissimus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (2 kg) for left longissimus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left longissimus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (2 kg) for right iliocostalis muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right iliocostalis muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (2 kg) for right iliocostalis muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right iliocostalis muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (2 kg) for left iliocostalis muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left iliocostalis muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (2 kg) for left iliocostalis muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left iliocostalis muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (2 kg) for right multifidus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right multifidus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (2 kg) for right multifidus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the right multifidus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (2 kg) for left multifidus muscle (PRE)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left multifidus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day before the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• EMG - weight holding test (2 kg) for left multifidus muscle (POST)

  Electromyographic measurements of the left multifidus muscle during the weight holding test (1kg) the day after the therapy

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Revised Oswestry Pain Questionnaire (PRE)

  Revised Oswestry Pain Questionnaire (ODI) - the day before therapy. The minimum score is 0, while the maximum is 50, which proves 100% disability. A higher result is worse and proves the patient's disability in everyday activities.

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Revised Oswestry Pain Questionnaire (POST)

  Revised Oswestry Pain Questionnaire (ODI) - the day after therapy. The minimum score is 0, while the maximum is 50, which proves 100% disability. A higher result is worse and proves the patient's disability in everyday activities.

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (PRE)

  Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) - the day before therapy. The minimum score is 0, while the maximum is 24. The higher the score, the worse it is and it illustrates the poor functional condition of the examined person.

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (POST)

  Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) - the day after therapy. The minimum score is 0, while the maximum is 24. The higher the score, the worse it is and it illustrates the poor functional condition of the examined person.

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Visual-Analog Scale (PRE)

  Visual-Analog Scale (VAS) - the day before therapy. The minimum score is 0 and the maximum score is 10. The higher the score, the worse it is and it reflects the subjective level of pain experienced.

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

• Visual-Analog Scale (POST)

  Visual-Analog Scale (VAS) - the day after therapy. The minimum score is 0 and the maximum score is 10. The higher the score, the worse it is and it reflects the subjective level of pain experienced.

  Through study completion, an average of 2 weeks.

Study Arms (2)

DTM group

EXPERIMENTAL

This group of participants (N=20) received Deep Tissue Massage therapy.

Other: Deep Tissue Massage

Control group

NO INTERVENTION

This group of participants (N=20) did not receive any intervention.

Interventions

Deep Tissue Massage OTHER

The Deep Tissue Massage lasted 45 minutes. The entire therapy included 4 treatments over a period of 2 weeks. The interval between treatments was 3 days. The conducted therapy included techniques for: quadratus lumborum muscle, erector spinae muscle, thoracolumbar fascia, iliopsoas muscle. All techniques were performed on both sides of the patient's body.

DTM group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 30 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Chronic Low-Back Pain
• office worker

You may not qualify if:

• spine surgeries
• cauda equina syndrome
• cancer
• pain or motor and sensory deficits in the lower extremities below the level of the knee
• various therapies to treat chronic low-back pain

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Poznan University of Physical Education: lead

Study Sites (1)

Poznan University of Physical Education, Department of Biology and Anatomy

Poznan, Wielkopolska, 61-871, Poland

Location

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• Romanowski MW, Spiritovic M, Rutkowski R, Dudek A, Samborski W, Straburzynska-Lupa A. Comparison of Deep Tissue Massage and Therapeutic Massage for Lower Back Pain, Disease Activity, and Functional Capacity of Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Pilot Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:9894128. doi: 10.1155/2017/9894128. Epub 2017 Aug 6.

  PMID: 28845185 RESULT

• Wendt M, Rubach J, Waszak M. Short-term effect after soft tissue manipulation session on subjective and objective parameters in office workers with chronic low back pain: A randomized clinical trial. PLoS One. 2025 Nov 21;20(11):e0336685. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0336685. eCollection 2025.

  PMID: 41270086 DERIVED

Related Links

• Recommendations for sensor locations in trunk or (lower) back muscles

Study Officials

• Michał Wendt, PhD

  Poznan University of Physical Education, Department of Biology and Anatomy

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Triple (participant, researcher, outcome assessor). Participants did not know which study group they belonged to. Each participant drew a number that was characteristic of a given research group (experimental DTM group or control group). The researcher also did not know which group the participant belonged to (he only used the participant number). Outcome assessor did not know which group was experimental and which was control (they were marked with numbers instead of names). The coordinator supervised the proper course of the study.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: The first step was recruitment. Based on the qualifying and disqualifying criteria, 40 people were selected. Each participant was randomly assigned to a specific group (Deep Tissue Massage (DTM) experimental group or control group). Initial measurements were collected from all participants. Participants in the DTM group had therapy, while those in the control group had no therapy. The therapist was responsible for performing the DTM therapy. Each participant in the experimental group received 4 treatments (45 minutes each, 3 days between them) over a period of 2 weeks. After the end of the whole therapy, final measurements were made. The researcher was responsible for taking measurements for each participant. The person acting as the coordinator supervised the proper course of the research. The collected data was analyzed by a person evaluating the results.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 1, 2023
• First Posted: January 19, 2023
• Study Start: September 1, 2021
• Primary Completion: October 20, 2021
• Study Completion: October 20, 2021
• Last Updated: August 9, 2023

Record last verified: 2023-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, ICF, CSR, ANALYTIC CODE
• Time Frame: Data will be available from May/June 2023.
• Access Criteria: Available to all researchers.

Locations

PL (1)