AzTrials
AzTrials

Nonspecific Low Back PainNCT07458776

Effects of Muscle Energy Technique and Pilates Exercises on Pain and Physical Function in Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain

A study testing Muscle Energy Technique and Pilates Exercises in people with Nonspecific Low Back Pain, run by University of Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) and Pilates exercises on pain and physical function in individuals with nonspecific low back pain. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 to 50 years
Conditions the study is for
Nonspecific Low Back Pain
What is being tested?
Muscle Energy Technique and Pilates Exercises
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
72 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
30 Jun 2025to 12 Oct 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 20 to 50 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Individuals aged 20-50 years
  • Both males and females
  • Pain lasting for at least 2-3 months
  • Pain score greater than 3 on Numeric Pain Rating Scale
  • Participants who had not received physiotherapy treatment for low back pain

Who cannot join

  • History of lumbar radiculopathy
  • Use of painkiller medications
  • Spinal pathologies such as prolapsed disc, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, vertebral fractures, or spinal infections
  • Systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, or malignancy
  • Pregnant women
  • Neurological conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis
  • Heart conditions or psychological disorders

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site
  • University of Lahore

    Lahore

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Effects of Muscle Energy Technique and Pilates Exercises on Pain and Physical Function in Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) and Pilates exercises on pain and physical function in individuals with nonspecific low back pain. A total of 72 participants aged between 20 and 50 years were recruited from the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: one group received Muscle Energy Techniques and the other group performed Pilates exercises. Each intervention session lasted 60 minutes, conducted four days per week for six weeks. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), while physical function was evaluated using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). The results were analyzed to determine the comparative effectiveness of the two interventions in reducing pain and improving functional ability among patients with nonspecific low back pain.

Read the detailed description

Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting adults and is characterized by pain in the lumbar region without a specific underlying pathology such as disc herniation, fracture, or spinal stenosis. It can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life.

Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are manual therapy procedures in which the patient actively contracts a muscle against a controlled resistance applied by the therapist, followed by relaxation and stretching to improve muscle flexibility and joint mobility. Pilates exercises are structured exercises designed to strengthen the core muscles, improve posture, increase flexibility, and enhance body awareness.

This randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques and Pilates exercises in reducing pain and improving physical function in individuals with nonspecific low back pain. Seventy-two participants were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups. Group A received Muscle Energy Techniques, while Group B performed Pilates exercises. Both groups underwent 60-minute treatment sessions, four times per week for six weeks.

Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and physical function was assessed using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27. Independent t-tests were used for between-group comparisons and repeated ANOVA was applied for within-group analysis.

Being tested
Muscle Energy Technique, Pilates Exercises
Keywords
Low Back Pain, Pilates Exercises, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Pain Management
Medical subject headings
Low Back Pain, Agnosia

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Muscle Energy TechniqueOther

    Muscle Energy Technique is a manual therapy intervention where the patient performs voluntary muscle contractions against therapist resistance followed by stretching to improve muscle flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance joint mobility.

  • Pilates ExercisesBehavioural

    Pilates exercises are structured physical exercises focusing on core muscle strengthening, flexibility, posture improvement, and body awareness to enhance functional movement and reduce musculoskeletal pain.

Study groups in NCT07458776
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Muscle Energy Technique GroupExperimentalParticipants in this group received Muscle Energy Techniques including post-isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition techniques targeting the iliopsoas, quadratus lumborum, and erector spinae muscles. Each treatment session lasted 60 minutes and was conducted four times per week for six weeks.
Receives: Other: Muscle Energy Technique
Pilates Exercise GroupActive comparatorParticipants in this group performed a structured Pilates exercise program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and postural control activities for 60 minutes per session, four times per week for six weeks.
Receives: Behavioral: Pilates Exercises

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Pain Intensity

    Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).

    Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Physical Function

    Physical function was measured using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), which includes 24 items assessing functional disability related to low back pain.

    Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted9 Mar 2026
  2. Study start30 Jun 2025
  3. Primary completion25 Sep 2025
  4. Study completion12 Oct 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Two groups were formed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Muscle Energy Techniques or Pilates exercises for six weeks, and outcomes were compared between groups.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
72 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07458776
Sponsor's protocol ID
UOL/IREB/25/09/0044
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
4 Mar 2026
Last updated
9 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data will not be shared because this study was conducted as an academic research project. The informed consent obtained from participants did not include provisions for public data sharing, and the dataset contains sensitive personal health information. Data will be stored securely and used only for academic and research purposes in accordance with institutional ethics approval

Publications

  • Lytras D, Iakovidis P, Sykaras E, Kottaras A, Kasimis K, Myrogiannis I, Barouxakis A, Tarfali G. Effects of a tailored mat-Pilates exercise program for older adults on pain, functioning, and balance in women with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2023 Dec;35(12):3059-3071. doi: 10.1007/s40520-023-02604-7. Epub 2023 Nov 7.

    PubMed 37934400
  • Li W, Gong Y, Liu J, Guo Y, Tang H, Qin S, Zhao Y, Wang S, Xu Z, Chen B. Peripheral and Central Pathological Mechanisms of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Narrative Review. J Pain Res. 2021 May 27;14:1483-1494. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S306280. eCollection 2021.

    PubMed 34079363
  • Kripa, S., & Kaur, H. (2021). Identifying relations between posture and pain in lower back pain patients: a narrative review. Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy, 26, 1-4.

  • Kersten RFMR, Fikkers J, Wolterbeek N, Oner FC, van Gaalen SM. Are the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index interchangeable in patients after lumbar spinal fusion? J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2021;34(4):605-611. doi: 10.3233/BMR-200206.

    PubMed 33646141
  • Kant, S., Urvashi, K. J., & Raman, R. K. (2024). Effectiveness of Core Stabilization Exercises vs. Traditional Physical Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain. Journal of Contemporary Clinical Practice, 10, 279-287.

  • Jenks A, Hoekstra T, van Tulder M, Ostelo RW, Rubinstein SM, Chiarotto A. Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, and Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale: Which Has Superior Measurement Properties in Older Adults With Low Back Pain? J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022 Jul;52(7):457-469. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2022.10802. Epub 2022 May 18.

    PubMed 35584027
  • Hayden JA, Ellis J, Ogilvie R, Malmivaara A, van Tulder MW. Exercise therapy for chronic low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Sep 28;9(9):CD009790. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009790.pub2.

    PubMed 34580864
  • Goudman L, Pilitsis JG, Billet B, De Vos R, Hanssens K, Billot M, Roulaud M, Rigoard P, Moens M. The level of agreement between the numerical rating scale and visual analogue scale for assessing pain intensity in adults with chronic pain. Anaesthesia. 2024 Feb;79(2):128-138. doi: 10.1111/anae.16151. Epub 2023 Dec 6.

    PubMed 38058100
  • Frota NT, Fidelis-de-Paula-Gomes CA, Pontes-Silva A, Pinheiro JS, de Jesus SFC, Apahaza GHS, da Silva Souza C, Avila MA, Dibai-Filho AV. 15-item Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ-15): structural and criterion validity on patients with chronic low back pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022 Nov 12;23(1):978. doi: 10.1186/s12891-022-05953-y.

    PubMed 36371173
  • Franks J, Thwaites C, Morris ME. Pilates to Improve Core Muscle Activation in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 May 12;11(10):1404. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11101404.

    PubMed 37239690
  • Erawan, T., Sudaryanto, S., & Nur, M. a. (2021). Effectiveness Combination Muscle Energy Technique and Strain Counterstrain Lumbar and Functional Changes to The Range of Motion in Patients With Non Specific Low Back Pain. Urban Health, 3(1), 1-10.

  • Elahi, A. R., Seidi, F., & Karimi zadeh Ardakani, M. (2021). Effect of 8 Weeks of Selected Corrective Exercises on the Lumbar Lordosis Angle and LowerLimb Function in Non-Athlete Men with Lumbar Hyper Lordosis. Journal of Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention, 9(4), 304-314.

  • El Gendy, M. H., Hekal, H. N., Kadah, M. A., Hussein, H. M., & Ewais, N. F. (2022). Pilate mat exercise versus muscle energy technique on chronic non specific low back pain. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(S5), 3570-3583.

  • Du S, Liu W, Cai S, Hu Y, Dong J. The efficacy of e-health in the self-management of chronic low back pain: A meta analysis. Int J Nurs Stud. 2020 Jun;106:103507. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.103507. Epub 2019 Dec 24.

    PubMed 32320936
  • Childress MA, Stuek SJ. Neck Pain: Initial Evaluation and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2020 Aug 1;102(3):150-156.

    PubMed 32735440

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Muscle Energy Technique and Pilates Exercises in people with Nonspecific Low Back Pain, run by University of Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07458776, which also lists 25 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Mar 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in