Low Back PainMEZ-LBPNCT07611669
Effects of Mezieres Method on Muscle Imbalance, Body Awareness and Postural Alignment in Athletes With Lower Back Pain.
A study testing Mezieres method plus core stabilization and Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization) in people with Low Back Pain, run by Green International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The current study is a randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of the Mezieres Method combined with core stabilization versus routine physiotherapy involving core stabilization on muscle imbalance, body awareness, and postural alignment in athletes with lower back pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Low Back Pain
- What is being tested?
- Mezieres method plus core stabilization and Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2025to 10 May 2026
- 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 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosed with non-specific LBP lasting at least three months with following test (Straight Leg Raise Test, Slump Test, Schober's Test )
- Athletes aged 18-35 years of either gender
- Athletes should exhibit signs of postural imbalance or muscular chain dysfunction
- Functional limitation related to posture or movement.
- Patient undergoing physiotherapy intervention for musculoskeletal disorders.
- Reduced trunk mobility, impaired postural alignment, or functional defects.
Who cannot join
- History of spinal surgery, fracture, or structural deformity (e.g., scoliosis, spondylolisthesis).
- Neurological or systemic disorders affecting balance or muscle control
- Current use of medications that may effect musculoskeletal performance (e.g., corticosteroids, muscle relaxants)
- Pregnancy or any contraindication to physical activity
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
The current study is a randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of the Mezieres Method combined with core stabilization versus routine physiotherapy involving core stabilization on muscle imbalance, body awareness, and postural alignment in athletes with lower back pain. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: an experimental group receiving the Mezieres Method plus core stabilization exercises and a control group receiving routine physiotherapy treatment involving core stabilization alone. Outcomes related to muscle imbalance, body awareness, postural alignment, and pain/function will be assessed before and after the intervention period. The study seeks to determine whether the Mezieres Method combined with core stabilization provides additional benefits in athletes with lower back pain.
Read the detailed description
Low back pain (LBP) is the type of musculoskeletal problems affecting athletes in many sports, and it is approximately about 80% of them experience at least one episode during their career and many of them later develops long duration or recurrent pain that definitely impact performance, training routine and also day-today quality of life . Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions worldwide, particularly among athletes because of repetitive strain, poor biomechanics, and muscle imbalances. In the world wide, studies estimate that nearly 60-80% of individuals experience low back pain at some point in their lives, with a point prevalence of about 7-12% in the total population and even higher rates reported in athletic populations due to intensive physical demands. In sports communities, the prevalence can range from 20% to 50%, depending on the type of sport, training intensity, and postural habits. Locally, in countries like Pakistan, the burden of low back pain is also significantly high, although underreported; hospital-based and regional studies suggest prevalence rates ranging from 30% to 70% among adults, with athletes and physically active individuals being at increased risk due to inadequate conditioning, poor posture, and lack of body awareness. These rising trends focused the importance of effective rehabilitation approaches such as the Mezieres method, which mostly focuses on correcting muscle imbalance, improving body awareness, and restore the good postural alignment. In early morning many athletes often complain more stiffness and they are type of more predisposed to LBP because of routine mechanical loading, postural strains, asymmetric movements and high demands on spinal flexibility and strength. Sports like gymnastics, soccer and dance place unusual stress on the lumbar region through repeated hyperextension, twisting and high-impact movements, which sort of increase the risk even more. These biomechanical stresses can lead to muscle imbalance, postural changes and sometimes impaired neuromuscular control, and all of this basically keep the pain going with functional limitation. The pathophysiology of LBP in athletes sometimes includes multifactorial origins including poor lumbopelvic stability, weak core muscles and asymmetrical tension in posterior muscular chains. This muscular imbalance can disrupt spinal alignment and even change the proprioceptive control so athletes start using compensatory movement patterns and recurrent injury kind of occurred again. Traditional physical therapy usually emphasis on strengthening the core, better flexibility and decrease pain with therapeutic exercises and manual therapy. Core stabilization exercises in especially have shown good efficacy on patients in improving spinal stability, posture and reducing LBP intensity. So the present study is purpose to compare effects of Mezieres Method combined with core stabilization exercises to routine physiotherapy (core stabilization exercises alone) on muscle imbalance, body awareness and postural alignment in athletes with lower back pain. And by doing so it seeks to determine whether integration of global postural re-education offers additional benefits over conventional therapeutic practices and whether difference between groups is clinically meaningful for athletes who receive these treatments.
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain
- Being tested
- Mezieres method plus core stabilization, Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization)
- Keywords
- Mezieres, Low back pain, athletes, Muscle imbalance, Body awareness, Postural alignment
- 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.
Mezieres method plus core stabilizationOther
Also called Group A intervention
Participants in Group A was receive Mezières method therapy, focusing on progressive stretching and postural correction aimed at restoring muscle balance and improving awareness of body alignment. Sessions was target major posterior chain muscles, including the erector spinae, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles, using slow, sustained stretching techniques. Each Mezières session was last 30-35 minutes, followed by core stabilization exercises for 15-20 minutes, including plank variations, bridging exercises, and abdominal hollowing techniques to enhance trunk stability. Interventions was administered 3 times per week for 6 weeks by a trained physiotherapist.
Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization)Other
Also called Group B intervention
Participants in Group B was perform the same core stabilization exercises as Group A, without Mezières intervention. Exercises was target deep abdominal muscles, multifidus, and pelvic stabilizers, purpose is to improve trunk stability and support postural alignment. Each session was last 20-25 minutes, conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks, under supervision to ensure correct technique and progression.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Mezieres method plus core stabilization | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive the Mezieres Method combined with core stabilization exercises. The intervention will focus on global postural stretching, correction of muscle chain imbalance, breathing control, body awareness training, and activation of deep core muscles to improve postural alignment and functional outcomes in athletes with lower back pain. Treatment sessions will be supervised by a physiotherapist and conducted according to the study protocol throughout the intervention period. Receives: Other: Mezieres method plus core stabilization |
| Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization) | Active comparator | Participants in this arm will receive routine physiotherapy management consisting of conventional core stabilization exercises, lumbar strengthening, stretching exercises, and standard physiotherapy rehabilitation techniques commonly used for lower back pain in athletes. Sessions will be conducted with the same treatment frequency and duration as the experimental group. Receives: Other: Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Muscle Imbalance
Muscle imbalance refers to unequal strength or flexibility between opposing lumbar pelvic muscle groups. Muscle imbalance will be assessed using the NYPRC postural alignment and muscle imbalance assessment protocol. The NYPRC evaluates postural deviations and muscle imbalance patterns through observational assessment of body alignment in standing posture. Scores are assigned to different body segments, with lower scores indicating greater postural deviation and muscle imbalance and higher scores indicating better alignment.
Measured: Baseline and after six weeks
Postural Alignment
Postural alignment refers to the biomechanical positioning of the spine and pelvis across sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes. The New York Posture Rating Chart (NYPRC) is used to evaluate postural alignment and stability by assessing different body segments. Interpretation: Scores are assigned based on alignment of body parts (head, shoulders, spine, pelvis, etc.) Higher total score = better posture and stability Lower score = poor posture or imbalance
Measured: Baseline and after six weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Body Awareness
Body awareness describes one's conscious perception and control of body position and movement. It was measured using the validated Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ). Higher scores reflect better proprioceptive integration. Improvements was supported by participants' subjective reports of enhanced comfort, control, and movement confidence during functional tasks.
Measured: Baseline and after six weeks
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity represents the participant's subjective level of lower back discomfort. It was evaluated using the VAS, ranging from 0 to 10. A clinically meaningful change is defined as a reduction of two or more points, as supported by previous athletic rehabilitation trials.
Measured: Baseline and after six weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 May 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2025
- Primary completion5 Mar 2026
- Study completion10 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Low Back PainStudies 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
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. The study will follow a parallel-group design. One group will receive Mezieres method combined with core stabilization exercise, while other group will receive core stabilization exercise alone. Outcomes will be compared between groups. Outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Green International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Wayna Maqsood, Green International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07611669
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- GIU/REC/26-26
- Acronym
- MEZ-LBP
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 14 May 2026
- Last updated
- 28 May 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 publicly shared to maintain participant confidentiality and privacy. The study data are intended for academic and research purposes only and are subject to institutional ethical guidelines and consent limitations.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Mezieres Method on Muscle Imbalance, Body Awareness and Postural Alignment in Athletes With Lower Back Pain.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07611669
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MEZ-LBP / GIU/REC/26-26
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain
- Keywords
- Mezieres, Low back pain, athletes, Muscle imbalance, Body awareness, Postural alignment
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Green International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 5 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 28 May 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.
The current study is a randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of the Mezieres Method combined with core stabilization versus routine physiotherapy involving core stabilization on muscle imbalance, body awareness, and postural alignment in athletes with lower back pain. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: an experimental group receiving the Mezieres Method plus core stabilization exercises and a control group receiving routine physiotherapy treatment involving core stabilization alone. Outcomes related to muscle imbalance, body awareness, postural alignment, and pain/function will be assessed before and after the intervention period. The study seeks to determine whether the Mezieres Method combined with core stabilization provides additional benefits in athletes with lower back pain.
Detailed description
Low back pain (LBP) is the type of musculoskeletal problems affecting athletes in many sports, and it is approximately about 80% of them experience at least one episode during their career and many of them later develops long duration or recurrent pain that definitely impact performance, training routine and also day-today quality of life . Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions worldwide, particularly among athletes because of repetitive strain, poor biomechanics, and muscle imbalances. In the world wide, studies estimate that nearly 60-80% of individuals experience low back pain at some point in their lives, with a point prevalence of about 7-12% in the total population and even higher rates reported in athletic populations due to intensive physical demands. In sports communities, the prevalence can range from 20% to 50%, depending on the type of sport, training intensity, and postural habits. Locally, in countries like Pakistan, the burden of low back pain is also significantly high, although underreported; hospital-based and regional studies suggest prevalence rates ranging from 30% to 70% among adults, with athletes and physically active individuals being at increased risk due to inadequate conditioning, poor posture, and lack of body awareness. These rising trends focused the importance of effective rehabilitation approaches such as the Mezieres method, which mostly focuses on correcting muscle imbalance, improving body awareness, and restore the good postural alignment. In early morning many athletes often complain more stiffness and they are type of more predisposed to LBP because of routine mechanical loading, postural strains, asymmetric movements and high demands on spinal flexibility and strength. Sports like gymnastics, soccer and dance place unusual stress on the lumbar region through repeated hyperextension, twisting and high-impact movements, which sort of increase the risk even more. These biomechanical stresses can lead to muscle imbalance, postural changes and sometimes impaired neuromuscular control, and all of this basically keep the pain going with functional limitation. The pathophysiology of LBP in athletes sometimes includes multifactorial origins including poor lumbopelvic stability, weak core muscles and asymmetrical tension in posterior muscular chains. This muscular imbalance can disrupt spinal alignment and even change the proprioceptive control so athletes start using compensatory movement patterns and recurrent injury kind of occurred again. Traditional physical therapy usually emphasis on strengthening the core, better flexibility and decrease pain with therapeutic exercises and manual therapy. Core stabilization exercises in especially have shown good efficacy on patients in improving spinal stability, posture and reducing LBP intensity. So the present study is purpose to compare effects of Mezieres Method combined with core stabilization exercises to routine physiotherapy (core stabilization exercises alone) on muscle imbalance, body awareness and postural alignment in athletes with lower back pain. And by doing so it seeks to determine whether integration of global postural re-education offers additional benefits over conventional therapeutic practices and whether difference between groups is clinically meaningful for athletes who receive these treatments.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. The study will follow a parallel-group design. One group will receive Mezieres method combined with core stabilization exercise, while other group will receive core stabilization exercise alone. Outcomes will be compared between groups. Outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Mezieres method plus core stabilization | Experimental | Other: Mezieres method plus core stabilizationParticipants in this arm will receive the Mezieres Method combined with core stabilization exercises. The intervention will focus on global postural stretching, correction of muscle chain imbalance, breathing control, body awareness training, and activation of deep core muscles to improve postural alignment and functional outcomes in athletes with lower back pain. Treatment sessions will be supervised by a physiotherapist and conducted according to the study protocol throughout the intervention period. |
| Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization) | Active comparator | Other: Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization)Participants in this arm will receive routine physiotherapy management consisting of conventional core stabilization exercises, lumbar strengthening, stretching exercises, and standard physiotherapy rehabilitation techniques commonly used for lower back pain in athletes. Sessions will be conducted with the same treatment frequency and duration as the experimental group. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Diagnosed with non-specific LBP lasting at least three months with following test (Straight Leg Raise Test, Slump Test, Schober's Test )
- Athletes aged 18-35 years of either gender
- Athletes should exhibit signs of postural imbalance or muscular chain dysfunction
- Functional limitation related to posture or movement.
- Patient undergoing physiotherapy intervention for musculoskeletal disorders.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- History of spinal surgery, fracture, or structural deformity (e.g., scoliosis, spondylolisthesis).
- Neurological or systemic disorders affecting balance or muscle control
- Current use of medications that may effect musculoskeletal performance (e.g., corticosteroids, muscle relaxants)
- Pregnancy or any contraindication to physical activity
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mezieres method plus core stabilizationAlso: Group A interventionParticipants in Group A was receive Mezières method therapy, focusing on progressive stretching and postural correction aimed at restoring muscle balance and improving awareness of body alignment. Sessions was target major posterior chain muscles, including the erector spinae, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles, using slow, sustained stretching techniques. Each Mezières session was last 30-35 minutes, followed by core stabilization exercises for 15-20 minutes, including plank variations, bridging exercises, and abdominal hollowing techniques to enhance trunk stability. Interventions was administered 3 times per week for 6 weeks by a trained physiotherapist. | Other | Mezieres method plus core stabilization |
| Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization)Also: Group B interventionParticipants in Group B was perform the same core stabilization exercises as Group A, without Mezières intervention. Exercises was target deep abdominal muscles, multifidus, and pelvic stabilizers, purpose is to improve trunk stability and support postural alignment. Each session was last 20-25 minutes, conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks, under supervision to ensure correct technique and progression. | Other | Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization) |
Primary outcome
Muscle Imbalance
Time frame: Baseline and after six weeks
Muscle imbalance refers to unequal strength or flexibility between opposing lumbar pelvic muscle groups. Muscle imbalance will be assessed using the NYPRC postural alignment and muscle imbalance assessment protocol. The NYPRC evaluates postural deviations and muscle imbalance patterns through observational assessment of body alignment in standing posture. Scores are assigned to different body segments, with lower scores indicating greater postural deviation and muscle imbalance and higher scores indicating better alignment.
Postural Alignment
Time frame: Baseline and after six weeks
Postural alignment refers to the biomechanical positioning of the spine and pelvis across sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes. The New York Posture Rating Chart (NYPRC) is used to evaluate postural alignment and stability by assessing different body segments. Interpretation: Scores are assigned based on alignment of body parts (head, shoulders, spine, pelvis, etc.) Higher total score = better posture and stability Lower score = poor posture or imbalance
2 secondary outcomes
Body Awareness
Time frame: Baseline and after six weeks
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and after six weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be publicly shared to maintain participant confidentiality and privacy. The study data are intended for academic and research purposes only and are subject to institutional ethical guidelines and consent limitations.
Related trials for Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Hip Hinge Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Disability in Non-specific Low Back Pain.
Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Effect of Lumbar Stabilization Exercises With and Without YTWL (Scapular Stabilization Exercises) on Reducing Chronic Low Back Pain and Related Disability. A Randomized Clinical Trial,
Chronic Non Specific Mechanical Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Comparing Non-Medicine Strategies for Improving Low Back Pain
Chronic Low-back Pain (cLBP), High-Impact Chronic Pain (HICP)
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Cervical Stabilization With Core Stabilization in Young Adults With Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Spinery Basivertebral Nerve Ablation for Vertebrogenic Chronic Low Back Pain
Low Back Pain, Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)
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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Mezieres method plus core stabilization and Routine physiotherapy (core stabilization) in people with Low Back Pain, run by Green International University 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 6 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 May 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?
Muscle Imbalance (time frame: Baseline and after six weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. 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 May 2026.