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

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

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises

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.

BEHAVIORAL

Pilates Exercises with Myofascial Release

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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Maheen Rauf

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Maheen Rauf, MS MSK · The University of Lahore, Lahore

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

25 Years

Max Age

35 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-03-19

Primary Completion

2026-05-19

Completion

2026-05-20

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations