Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release on Low Back Pain With Lower Cross Syndrome

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the combined effects of post-isometric relaxation and myofascial release on pain, flexibility, and functional disability in individuals with low back pain associated with lower cross syndrome. Eligible participants aged 18 to 45 years will be randomly allocated into two parallel intervention groups. One group will receive post-isometric relaxation combined with myofascial release, while the comparison group will receive conventional stretching combined with Therapeutic modalities. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. The results of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based physiotherapy management of low back pain associated with postural imbalance.

Conditions

• Low Back Pain, Mechanical
• Lower Cross Syndrome
• Hamstring Muscle Tightness

Interventions

OTHER

post isometric relaxation

Post-isometric relaxation will be applied to the hamstring muscles. Participants will be positioned supine with the hip flexed to 90 degrees and will perform a submaximal isometric contraction of the hamstrings against therapist resistance for 5 to 8 seconds, followed by a passive stretch of approximately 10 seconds. The procedure will be repeated three times per limb per session.

OTHER

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

Myofascial release will be applied to the hamstring muscles with the participant in a prone position. Sustained manual pressure will be applied along the length of the hamstring muscles using the therapist's hands for approximately 30 seconds per application, repeated multiple times per session to improve tissue extensibility.

OTHER

Conventional Static Stretching

Conventional static stretching of the hamstring muscles will be performed with the participant in a supine position. Each stretch will be held for approximately 30 seconds and repeated three times per limb per session as part of routine physiotherapy management.

OTHER

Therapeutic Modalities

Therapeutic modalities, including ultrasound therapy or superficial heat application using a heating pad, will be applied prior to stretching to reduce pain and improve tissue extensibility as part of conventional physiotherapy care.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• IQRA University

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Karachi

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Basit Ansari, PhD · University of Karachi

• Bushra Madad Ali Malik, DPT · University of Karachi

• Aftab Ahmed Mirza Baig, PhD · IQRA University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

45 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-03-25

Primary Completion

2026-09-15

Completion

2026-10-20

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations