Mazidavi A, Karimi N, Khorasani B, Baraghoosh P, Biglarian A. Effects of Muscle Energy Technique on Pain and Range of Motion in Chronic Low Back Pain Subjects with Lateral Flexion Restriction. PTJ 2023; 13 (4) :245-252
URL:
http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-583-en.html
1- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (1870 Views)
Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem with a significant impact on individuals and society, leading to activity limitation and chronic pain. Quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle tightness can trigger symptoms of significant LBP. Muscle energy technique (MET), a gentle manual therapy for restricted motion in the spine and limbs, aims to induce muscle relaxation, reduce pain, and improve range of motion (ROM). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MET on pain reduction and ROM improvement in chronic LBP subjects with lateral flexion restriction.
Methods: This study was a randomized single-blind clinical trial. One hundred and two participants diagnosed with chronic LBP and lateral flexion restriction were randomly divided into two groups: Control (n=51) and intervention (n=51). The control group received conventional physiotherapy, while the intervention group was provided with a combination of conventional physiotherapy and MET (post-isometric relaxation). Pain and ROM were measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and a goniometer, respectively. Both groups were evaluated before and immediately after the treatment.
Results: The results revealed a significant reduction in pain and improvement in ROM in both groups after the treatment. No significant differences were found in the mean pain scores between the two groups (P=0.77). However, the mean scores of ROM in the intervention group showed a significant difference compared to the control group (P≤0.001).
Conclusion: MET combination with conventional physiotherapy significantly improves LBP and ROM of lateral flexion in chronic LBP subjects with lateral flexion restriction.
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• The muscle energy technique is a manual therapy approach that utilizes active muscle contractions to help reduce pain and improve musculoskeletal function.
• The quadratus lumborum muscle, a deep muscle situated in the lower back, plays a crucial role in stabilizing the spine, assisting with posture, and facilitating movements, such as lateral bending and extension.
• Muscle energy technique has shown promise in addressing low back pain by promoting muscle relaxation, enhancing range of motion, and reducing discomfort and pain in the affected area.
Plain Language Summary
This study examined the effects of a therapy called muscle energy technique (MET) on people with chronic low back pain who had difficulty moving from side to side. MET is a gentle manual therapy to relax muscles, reduce pain, and improve the ability to move. A total of 108 individuals were divided into two groups through a random selection process. One group received conventional physiotherapy, while the other group received both physiotherapy and MET. We measured pain levels and the ability to move before and after the treatments. Both groups experienced less pain and better movement after the treatment. The MET group had a greater improvement in movement compared to the control group. The findings indicated that combining MET with physiotherapy can significantly improve low back pain and the ability to move in people with chronic low back pain and limited side-to-side movement.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2023/06/11 | Accepted: 2023/07/26 | Published: 2023/10/14