Effects of Mezieres Method on Muscle Imbalance, Body Awareness and Postural Alignment in Athletes With Lower Back Pain.

NCT07611669 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: GIU/REC/26-26
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 36
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The current study is a randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of the Mezieres Method combined with core stabilization versus routine physiotherapy involving core stabilization on muscle imbalance, body awareness, and postural alignment in athletes with lower back pain. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: an experimental group receiving the Mezieres Method plus core stabilization exercises and a control group receiving routine physiotherapy treatment involving core stabilization alone. Outcomes related to muscle imbalance, body awareness, postural alignment, and pain/function will be assessed before and after the intervention period. The study seeks to determine whether the Mezieres Method combined with core stabilization provides additional benefits in athletes with lower back pain.

Conditions

Low Back Pain

Keywords

Mezieres; Low back pain; athletes; Muscle imbalance; Body awareness; Postural alignment

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Muscle Imbalance

  Muscle imbalance refers to unequal strength or flexibility between opposing lumbar pelvic muscle groups. Muscle imbalance will be assessed using the NYPRC postural alignment and muscle imbalance assessment protocol. The NYPRC evaluates postural deviations and muscle imbalance patterns through observational assessment of body alignment in standing posture. Scores are assigned to different body segments, with lower scores indicating greater postural deviation and muscle imbalance and higher scores indicating better alignment.

  Baseline and after six weeks

• Postural Alignment

  Postural alignment refers to the biomechanical positioning of the spine and pelvis across sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes. The New York Posture Rating Chart (NYPRC) is used to evaluate postural alignment and stability by assessing different body segments. Interpretation: Scores are assigned based on alignment of body parts (head, shoulders, spine, pelvis, etc.) Higher total score = better posture and stability Lower score = poor posture or imbalance

  Baseline and after six weeks

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Body Awareness

  Baseline and after six weeks

• Pain Intensity

  Baseline and after six weeks

Study Arms (2)

Mezieres method plus core stabilization

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm will receive the Mezieres Method combined with core stabilization exercises. The intervention will focus on global postural stretching, correction of muscle chain imbalance, breathing control, body awareness training, and activation of deep core muscles to improve postural alignment and functional outcomes in athletes with lower back pain. Treatment sessions will be supervised by a physiotherapist and conducted according to the study protocol throughout the intervention period.

Other: Mezieres method plus core stabilization

Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this arm will receive routine physiotherapy management consisting of conventional core stabilization exercises, lumbar strengthening, stretching exercises, and standard physiotherapy rehabilitation techniques commonly used for lower back pain in athletes. Sessions will be conducted with the same treatment frequency and duration as the experimental group.

Other: Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization)

Interventions

Mezieres method plus core stabilization OTHER

Participants in Group A was receive Mezières method therapy, focusing on progressive stretching and postural correction aimed at restoring muscle balance and improving awareness of body alignment. Sessions was target major posterior chain muscles, including the erector spinae, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles, using slow, sustained stretching techniques. Each Mezières session was last 30-35 minutes, followed by core stabilization exercises for 15-20 minutes, including plank variations, bridging exercises, and abdominal hollowing techniques to enhance trunk stability. Interventions was administered 3 times per week for 6 weeks by a trained physiotherapist.

Also known as: Group A intervention

Mezieres method plus core stabilization

Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization) OTHER

Participants in Group B was perform the same core stabilization exercises as Group A, without Mezières intervention. Exercises was target deep abdominal muscles, multifidus, and pelvic stabilizers, purpose is to improve trunk stability and support postural alignment. Each session was last 20-25 minutes, conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks, under supervision to ensure correct technique and progression.

Also known as: Group B intervention

Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization)

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosed with non-specific LBP lasting at least three months with following test (Straight Leg Raise Test, Slump Test, Schober's Test )
• Athletes aged 18-35 years of either gender
• Athletes should exhibit signs of postural imbalance or muscular chain dysfunction
• Functional limitation related to posture or movement.
• Patient undergoing physiotherapy intervention for musculoskeletal disorders.
• Reduced trunk mobility, impaired postural alignment, or functional defects.

You may not qualify if:

• History of spinal surgery, fracture, or structural deformity (e.g., scoliosis, spondylolisthesis).
• Neurological or systemic disorders affecting balance or muscle control
• Current use of medications that may effect musculoskeletal performance (e.g., corticosteroids, muscle relaxants)
• Pregnancy or any contraindication to physical activity

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Green International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Green International University

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, 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: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: The outcome assessor will be blinded to group allocation to minimize assessment bias. Due to the nature of physiotherapy interventions( Mezieres method and core stabilization exercise), participants and treating therapists cannot be blinded.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. The study will follow a parallel-group design. One group will receive Mezieres method combined with core stabilization exercise, while other group will receive core stabilization exercise alone. Outcomes will be compared between groups. Outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 14, 2026
• First Posted: May 28, 2026
• Study Start: January 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: March 5, 2026
• Study Completion: May 10, 2026
• Last Updated: May 28, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)