Evaluating Pain and Functional Outcomes of Active Release Technique Versus Strain-counter- Stain in Chronic Low Back Pain

NCT07418346 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: IUII/RERC/ADT/2025/04/170
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

clinical trial aims to compare the effects of Active Release Technique (ART) and Strain-Counter-Strain (SCS) on pain reduction and functional improvement in male patients aged 30-45 years with chronic low back pain (CLBP) persisting for at least 3-4 months. CLBP is a widespread and debilitating condition with significant impact on quality of life, healthcare costs, and work productivity. ART focuses on releasing myofascial adhesions and alleviating trigger points through manual pressure and movement, while SCS is a passive positional technique designed to reduce neuromuscular tension and restore range of motion. A total of 40 participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups (ART group and SCS group). Both groups will receive standardized baseline treatment including a hot pack and interferential current therapy, followed by their respective intervention protocols for 12 sessions over 4 weeks. Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), functional disability using the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS), and functional limitation using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data will be analyzed using SPSS v25, applying paired and independent t-tests or their non-parametric equivalents, with a significance level of p \< 0.05. The study is expected to provide evidence-based insight into which intervention is more effective in improving pain and functional outcomes in CLBP. The findings may help guide clinical decision-making, contribute to treatment guidelines, and support cost-effective, patient-centered management approaches.

Conditions

Low Back Pain

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Visual analogue scale

  pain intensity

  fram enlloment to the end of treatment it 4 week

• Oswerty disability index

  functional limitation

  fram enlloment to the end of treatment it 4 week

• Quebec back pain disability

  functional disability

  fram enlloment to the end of treatment it 4 week

Study Arms (2)

Strain Counterstrain

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Technique: Gentle, passive positioning of affected muscles to reduce pain and dysfunction. * Positioning held for 90 seconds followed by slow return to a neutral position. * Treatment Duration: 12 sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions per week, 45-minute sessions

Other: Strain Counter Strain

Active Release Technique

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Technique: Active Release Technique (ART) will be applied using precise manual pressure and movement to release myofascial adhesions in the lumbar and gluteal regions. * Treatment Time: Each session will last 45 minutes, focusing on targeted muscle groups. * Treatment Duration: 12 sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions per week, 45-minute sessions)

Other: Active Release Technique

Interventions

Strain Counter Strain OTHER

Technique: Gentle, passive positioning of affected muscles to reduce pain and dysfunction. * Positioning held for 90 seconds followed by slow return to a neutral position. * Treatment Duration: 12 sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions per week, 45-minute sessions). both group warm up inclunding a 10 minute hot pack and 15 minute interferantial therapy before the main treatment

Strain Counterstrain

Active Release Technique OTHER

Technique: Active Release Technique (ART) will be applied using precise manual pressure and movement to release myofascial adhesions in the lumbar and gluteal regions. * Treatment Time: Each session will last 45 minutes, focusing on targeted muscle groups. * Treatment Duration: 12 sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions per week, 45-minute sessions).both group warm up inclunding a 10 minute hot pack and 15 minute interferantial therapy before the main treatment

Active Release Technique

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 30 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Patient will be diagnosed by the therapist.
• Individuals diagnosed with chronic low back pain persisting for at least 3-4 months.
• Patients aged 30-45 years.
• Only men will be included in this study
• Pain intensity of at least 4/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals with neurological disorders like cauda equine, radiculopathy and spinal stenosis affecting the lower back or lower extremities.
• Pregnant women or individuals with contraindications to ART or strain-counter-strain therapy.
• Patients unable to provide informed consent or adhere to treatment protocols.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ibadat International University, Islamabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Bilal Hospital Rawalpindi Physiotherapy Department

Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, 46000, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Low Back Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Back Pain; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: assistant professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 11, 2026
• First Posted: February 18, 2026
• Study Start: May 5, 2025
• Primary Completion: August 5, 2025
• Study Completion: August 15, 2025
• Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Locations

PA (1)