Dry Dynamic Cupping vs Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for Chronic Myofascial Low Back Pain

NCT07685340 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: IIUI/RERC/ADT/226
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 48
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to compare the effects of Dry Dynamic Cupping and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in patients with chronic myofascial low back pain. The interventions will be evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing pain, improving functional disability, and enhancing quality of life. The findings may help identify a more effective treatment approach for managing chronic myofascial low back pain.

Conditions

Chronic Myofascial Low Back Pain

Keywords

chronic; myofascial; back pain; low back; low back pain; backache

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• NPRS

  Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Changes in pain scores will be compared between the Dry Dynamic Cupping and IASTM groups.

  Baseline and 2 Weeks Post-Intervention

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• ODI

  Baseline and 2 Weeks Post-Intervention

Other Outcomes (1)

• Inclinometer

  Baseline and 2 Weeks Post-Intervention

Study Arms (2)

Dry dynamic cupping group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group will receive Dry Dynamic Cupping therapy. The intervention will be administered for 2 weeks, with 3 treatment sessions per week, according to the standardized study protocol. The effects of the intervention will be evaluated on pain intensity, functional disability, and lumbar range of motion.

Other: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM); Other: dry cupping

IASTM Group

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

Participants in this group will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). The intervention will be administered for 2 weeks, with 3 treatment sessions per week, according to the standardized study protocol. The effects of the intervention will be evaluated on pain intensity, functional disability, and lumbar range of motion.

Other: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM); Other: dry cupping

Interventions

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) OTHER

Participants in this group will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). The intervention will be administered for 2 weeks, with 3 treatment sessions per week, according to the standardized study protocol. The effects of the intervention will be evaluated on pain intensity, functional disability, and lumbar range of motion.

Dry dynamic cupping group; IASTM Group

dry cupping OTHER

Participants in this group will receive Dry Dynamic Cupping therapy. The intervention will be administered for 2 weeks, with 3 treatment sessions per week, according to the standardized study protocol. The effects of the intervention will be evaluated on pain intensity, functional disability, and lumbar range of motion.

Dry dynamic cupping group; IASTM Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Chronic Myofascial Lower Back Pain \> 3 months
• Pain reproduced by palpation of Lumbar Para-Spinals, Quadratus Lumborum (QL) or Thoracolumbar Fascia.
• Trigger Points will be diagnosed through Simons and Travell's Criteria
• Age 25-45 years (young adults according to WHO classification)
• Both genders

You may not qualify if:

• History of spinal surgery
• Presence of inflammatory or neurological disorders
• Facet joint dysfunction
• Discogenic pain
• Ligamentous pain
• Pregnant females

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ibadat International University, Islamabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Mediplex Healthcare Center, Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, 46000, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome; Back Pain; Low Back Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Organizing Pneumonia; Bronchiolitis Obliterans; Bronchiolitis; Bronchitis; Bronchial Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Lung Diseases; Graft vs Host Disease; Immune System Diseases; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• MUHAMMAD ASHAR RAFI, DPT, MS-NMPT

  IBADAT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

MUHAMMAD ASHAR RAFI, DPT, MS-NMPT

CONTACT

0092-308-3407837; ashar.rafi@uipt.iiui.edu.pk

MUHAMMAD ARBAZ KHAN, DPT

CONTACT

0092-333-9001698; arbazkhantastic3@gmail.com

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: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 29, 2026
• First Posted: July 6, 2026
• Study Start: January 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 1, 2026
• Last Updated: July 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Locations

PA (1)