Low Back Pain, MechanicalNCT07496099
Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release on Low Back Pain With Lower Cross Syndrome
A study testing post isometric relaxation, MYOFASCIAL RELEASE and Conventional Static Stretching in people with Low Back Pain, Mechanical and Lower Cross Syndrome, run by University of Karachi at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Low Back Pain, Mechanical, Lower Cross Syndrome, Hamstring Muscle Tightness
- What is being tested?
- post isometric relaxation, MYOFASCIAL RELEASE and Conventional Static Stretching
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 25 Aug 2026to 20 Mar 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 18 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants aged 18-45 years old
- having low back pain persisting for at least 4 weeks
- with clinical diagnosis of LCS, and hamstring tightness (AKE >15°)
Who cannot join
- Participants with the history of spinal surgery active neurological conditions
- systemic disease affecting connective tissue (Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus)
- recent lower limb or spinal injury (within 6 months)
- pregnancy or inability to lie prone for treatment.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
life cure physiotherapy clinic malir cantt, Karachi
Karachi, Sindh
Bushra Madad Ali Malik, MPHIL, +923052722589, bushramalik0910@gmail.com
Aftab Ahmed mirza baig, PHD, +923002739920, dr.aftab@iqra.edu.pk
About this study
Official title: Combined Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release in Patients With Low Back Pain and Lower Cross Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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.
- Being tested
- post isometric relaxation, MYOFASCIAL RELEASE, Conventional Static Stretching, Therapeutic Modalities
- Keywords
- Hamstring Tightness, Post-Isometric Relaxation with Myofascial Release, low back pain with lower cross syndrome
- Medical subject headings
- Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
post isometric relaxationOther
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.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASEOther
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.
Conventional Static StretchingOther
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.
Therapeutic ModalitiesOther
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive post-isometric relaxation combined with myofascial release targeting the hamstring muscles as part of a supervised physiotherapy program. Receives: Other: post isometric relaxation; Other: MYOFASCIAL RELEASE |
| Conventional Stretching and modalities Group | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive conventional static hamstring stretching combined with therapeutic modalities, including ultrasound or superficial heat, as part of standard physiotherapy care. Receives: Other: Conventional Static Stretching; Other: Therapeutic Modalities |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Hamstring Flexibility
Hamstring flexibility will be assessed using Active Knee Extension (AKE) test measured in degrees with a goniometer.
Measured: Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)
Secondary outcomes (3)
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale for Pain, a 10-centimeter scale ranging from 0 to 10, where:
0 = no pain 10 = worst imaginable pain Higher scores indicate worse pain intensity.
Measured: assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)
functional flexibility(Straight Leg Raise Test)
Functional flexibility will be assessed using the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) Test, measured in degrees using a goniometer.
Measured: Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)
Posture Assessment (REEDCO Posture Scale)
Posture will be assessed using the REEDCO Posture Scale, a standardized observational scale used to evaluate body posture. The scale ranges from 0 to 100, where:
Lower scores indicate poor posture Higher scores indicate better posture alignment
Measured: Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Mar 2026
- Study start25 Aug 2026
- Primary completion5 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion20 Mar 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Low Back Pain, MechanicalStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Karachi
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- IQRA University
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Bushra Madad Ali Malik, University of Karachi
- Investigators
- Basit Ansari, PhD, Study chair, University of KarachiBushra Madad Ali Malik, DPT, Principal investigator, University of KarachiAftab Ahmed Mirza Baig, PhD, Study director, IQRA University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07496099
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MPhil-DPT-Hamstring-2026
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 22 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 28 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) collected during this study will not be shared with researchers outside the study team. Data sharing is restricted due to institutional policies, ethical considerations, and the need to protect participant confidentiality. All data will be used solely for academic and research purposes as approved by the institutional review board (IRB).
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Combined Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release in Patients With Low Back Pain and Lower Cross Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07496099
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MPhil-DPT-Hamstring-2026
- Keywords
- Hamstring Tightness, Post-Isometric Relaxation with Myofascial Release, low back pain with lower cross syndrome
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of KarachiUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- IQRA University
- Study start
- 25 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 5 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 27 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release Group | Experimental | Other: post isometric relaxation, Other: MYOFASCIAL RELEASEParticipants in this group will receive post-isometric relaxation combined with myofascial release targeting the hamstring muscles as part of a supervised physiotherapy program. |
| Conventional Stretching and modalities Group | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Static Stretching, Other: Therapeutic ModalitiesParticipants in this group will receive conventional static hamstring stretching combined with therapeutic modalities, including ultrasound or superficial heat, as part of standard physiotherapy care. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Participants aged 18-45 years old
- having low back pain persisting for at least 4 weeks
- with clinical diagnosis of LCS, and hamstring tightness (AKE >15°)
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Participants with the history of spinal surgery active neurological conditions
- systemic disease affecting connective tissue (Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus)
- recent lower limb or spinal injury (within 6 months)
- pregnancy or inability to lie prone for treatment.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| post isometric relaxationPost-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 | Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release Group |
| MYOFASCIAL RELEASEMyofascial 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 | Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release Group |
| Conventional Static StretchingConventional 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 | Conventional Stretching and modalities Group |
| Therapeutic ModalitiesTherapeutic 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. | Other | Conventional Stretching and modalities Group |
Primary outcome
Hamstring Flexibility
Time frame: Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)
Hamstring flexibility will be assessed using Active Knee Extension (AKE) test measured in degrees with a goniometer.
3 secondary outcomes
Pain Intensity
Time frame: assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)
functional flexibility(Straight Leg Raise Test)
Time frame: Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)
Posture Assessment (REEDCO Posture Scale)
Time frame: Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. De-identified individual participant data (IPD) collected during this study will not be shared with researchers outside the study team. Data sharing is restricted due to institutional policies, ethical considerations, and the need to protect participant confidentiality. All data will be used solely for academic and research purposes as approved by the institutional review board (IRB).
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Basit Ansari, PhD study chair
University of Karachi
Bushra Madad Ali Malik, DPT principal investigator
University of Karachi
Aftab Ahmed Mirza Baig, PhD study director
IQRA University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing post isometric relaxation, MYOFASCIAL RELEASE and Conventional Static Stretching in people with Low Back Pain, Mechanical and Lower Cross Syndrome, run by University of Karachi 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 3 inclusion and 4 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Aug 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Bushra Madad Ali Malik, MPHIL (+92305 2722589, bushramalik0910@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Hamstring Flexibility (time frame: Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, after 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months), and after 72 sessions at 24 weeks (6 months)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 28 Aug 2026.