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

NCT07470307 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: UOL/IREB/25/15/03/19
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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. 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. 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.

Conditions

Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Keywords

Non-specific chronic low back pain; Lumbar strengthening exercises; Dynamic lumbar stabilization; Pilates exercises

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (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.

  Baseline, 2 weeks and after 8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

group A Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises with Myofascial Release

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants 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.

Behavioral: Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises

group B Pilates Exercises with Myofascial Release

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants 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.

Behavioral: Pilates Exercises with Myofascial Release

Interventions

Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises BEHAVIORAL

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.

group A Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises with Myofascial Release

Pilates Exercises with Myofascial Release BEHAVIORAL

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

group B Pilates Exercises with Myofascial Release

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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%

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Maheen Rauf: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Myofascial Release Therapy

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Massage; Therapy, Soft Tissue; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation

Study Officials

• Maheen Rauf, MS MSK

  The University of Lahore, Lahore

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Maheen Rauf, MS MSK

CONTACT

0303 8452456; maheenrauf08@gmail.com

Montiha Azeem, MSPTN

CONTACT

03479717317; muntahaazeem9@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: principal investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 9, 2026
• First Posted: March 13, 2026
• Study Start: March 19, 2026
• Primary Completion: May 19, 2026
• Study Completion: May 20, 2026
• Last Updated: March 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Locations

PA (1)