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

NCT07418346 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 40

Last updated 2026-05-11

No results posted yet for this study

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

Interventions

OTHER

Strain Counter Strain

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

OTHER

Active Release Technique

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

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Ibadat International University, Islamabad

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
30 Years
Max Age
45 Years
Sex
MALE
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-05-05
Primary Completion
2025-08-05
Completion
2025-08-15

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07418346 on ClinicalTrials.gov