Effects Of Quadratus Lumborum Release on Respiratory Outcomes on Low Back Pain Patients

The aim of this research is to check the effects of Quadratus Lumborum (QL) release on respiratory function and pain levels in individuals with chronic low back pain. Randomized controlled trials done at Pakistan Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi and Rawal General & Dental Hospital Islamabad. The sample size was 36. The subjects were divided into two groups, 18 subjects in the experimental group will receive muscle energy technique on quadratus lumborum along with conventional intervention for LBP and 18 in control group will only receive conventional intervention exercises for LBP. Study duration was of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was non probability connivance sampling technique. Only 30-60 years both males and females diagnosed with mechanical low back pain persist at least >3 months. Tools used in the study of Numeric Pain rating scale (Pain assessment). Modified Oswestry Disability Index (m-ODI) (for ADLs in CLBP). Inclinometer (for ranges of lumber spine). Digital spirometer (for FEV1/FVC ratio). Inches Tap (For Chest Expansion) & (For Quadratus lumborum length test). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Low Back Pain
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Experimental interventional group A, (MET).; Other: Control: group B (conventional intervention exercises)

Detailed Description

The aim of this research is to check the effects of Quadratus Lumborum (QL) release on respiratory function and pain levels in individuals with chronic low back pain. Randomized controlled trials done at Pakistan Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi and Rawal General & Dental Hospital Islamabad. The sample size was 36. The subjects were divided into two groups, 18 subjects in the experimental group will receive muscle energy technique on quadratus lumborum along with conventional intervention for LBP and 18 in control group will only receive conventional intervention exercises for LBP. Study duration was of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was non probability connivance sampling technique. Only 30-60 years both males and females diagnosed with mechanical low back pain persist at least >3 months. Tools used in the study of Numeric Pain rating scale (Pain assessment). Modified Oswestry Disability Index (m-ODI) (for ADLs in CLBP). Inclinometer (for ranges of lumber spine). Digital spirometer (for FEV1/FVC ratio). Inches Tap (For Chest Expansion) & (For Quadratus lumborum length test). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 36
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • Punjab
    • Islamabad, Punjab, Pakistan, 45550
      • Rawal Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 30-60 years.
2. Both Genders: Male and Female.
3. Diagnosed with mechanical low back pain persist at least >3 months.
4. Self-evaluation of the breathing questionnaire, SEBQ >11.
5. The patient exhibits decreased pulmonary functional volumes compared to the normal values, which include FEV, FVC,FEV₁/FVC
6. The Quadratus Lumborum length test in side-lying inches indicates QL shortening.
7. Patient with either unilateral or bilateral Quadratus lumborum tightness but intervention will be given on both sides.
8. Numeric Pain Rating > 3/10.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed chronic respiratory disease (e.g., asthma, COPD, bronchitis).
2. Diagnosed non-mechanical low back pain (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, tumors).
3. Diagnosed lumbar spine surgery within the last 12 months.
4. Diagnosed significant neurological deficits.
5. Spinal injuries or other comorbidities.
6. Infection, trauma, pregnancy, fracture, or fall.
7. Unable to understand and follow the commands.
8. Unwillingness to comply with the follow-up schedule.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Double

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Experimental: interventional group A: Muscle Energy Technique (MET); 10 min hot pack application, followed by MET on the Quadratus Lumborum (3 reps with a 7s hold). Flexibility exercises include William flexion with b/L knee-to-chest stretches (10s hold, repeated 10 times) and static stretching of the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and IT band (5 reps, 5s hold). Strengthening exercises comprise isometric hip flexor activation (5 reps with a 15s hold), side planks (3 reps, 30s hold), and static side bending (5 reps, 10s hold). The intervention will be performed once daily, consisting of 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to enhance flexibility, core stability, and muscular balance, ultimately contributing to pain relief and improved functional mobility in CLBP patients	Other: Experimental interventional group A, (MET).; 10-minute hot pack application, followed by MET on the Quadratus Lumborum (3 repetitions with a 7-second hold). Flexibility exercises include William flexion with bilateral knee-to-chest stretches (10-second hold, repeated 10 times) and static stretching of the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliotibial band (5 repetitions with a 5-second hold). Strengthening exercises comprise isometric hip flexor activation (5 repetitions with a 15-second hold), side planks (3 repetitions with a 30-second hold), and static side bending (5 repetitions with a 10-second hold). The intervention will be performed once daily, consisting of 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to enhance flexibility, core stability, and muscular balance, ultimately contributing to pain relief and improved functional mobility in CLBP patients
Active Comparator: Control :interventional group B: (conventional intervention exercises); 10-minute hot pack application, followed by William flexion with bilateral knee-to-chest stretches (10s hold, reps 10 times). Flexibility exercises consist of static stretching for the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliotibial band (5 reps with a 5s hold). Strengthening exercises include isometric hip flexor activation (5 reps with a 15s hold), side planks (3 reps with a 30s hold), and static side bending (5 reps with a 10s hold). The protocol will be performed once daily, with 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to improve flexibility, core stability, and pain management in CLBP patients.	Other: Control: group B (conventional intervention exercises); 10-minute hot pack application, followed by William flexion with bilateral knee-to-chest stretches (10-second hold, repeated 10 times). Flexibility exercises consist of static stretching for the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliotibial band (5 repetitions with a 5-second hold). Strengthening exercises include isometric hip flexor activation (5 repetitions with a 15-second hold), side planks (3 repetitions with a 30-second hold), and static side bending (5 repetitions with a 10-second hold). The protocol will be performed once daily, with 3 sets per session, continued for 4 weeks to improve flexibility, core stability, and pain management in CLBP patients.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Numeric Pain rating scale.	It is the tool to measure pain intensity It ranges from 0 to 10. If the patient feels no pain, then 0 will be marked. 5 shows moderate pain and 10 will be marked if pain is most extreme ever felt by the patient.(10) The patients were asked to mark the point they felt their pain accordingly	baseline measurement to 2 weeks
Digital spirometer.	Spirometry is a vital pulmonary function test used to assess lung health by measuring Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)	baseline measurement to 2 weeks
Inches Tap (For Chest Expansion)	Chest expansion was measured in a standing position with elbows slightly flexed and hands on hips, using a non-stretchable inch tape at the 2nd intercostal space (ICS), 4th ICS, and xiphoid process. Participants performed maximal deep inspiration and expiration, and the difference was recorded.	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session.
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)	Unidimensional, nine-item self-reported questionnaire designed to assess the severity and impact of fatigue on daily functioning and quality of life over the past week. Participants rate each item on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree), with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity. The total score is calculated by summing the individual item scores, resulting in a range from 9 to 63, with a score of ≥36 indicating significant fatigue.	baseline measurement to 2 weeks.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Inclinometer for Lumbar Flexion.	The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs forward bending.	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Extension.	The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs lumbar extension.	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Side Bending (Rt)	The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs movements for right-side bending.	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Side Bending (Lt)	The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs left-side bending.	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Rotation (Rt)	The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture. The patient then performs right rotation at lumbar	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session
Inclinometer for Lumbar Rotation (Lt)	The inclinometer is a reliable and valid tool for measuring lumbar range of motion (ROM), including flexion, extension, and side bending. To use the inclinometer, place one device on the T12 vertebra and another on the S1 vertebra while the patient stands in a neutral posture.The patient then performs Left rotation at lumbar.	baseline measurement to 2 weeks after every session

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Riphah International University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Aisha Razzaq, PHD*, Riphah International University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): January 7, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 30, 2025
• Study Completion (Estimated): January 31, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: February 20, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 7, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): April 15, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 15, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 7, 2025
• Last Verified: April 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Chronic pain; Respiratory function test; METs; Numeric Pain rating scale
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Back Pain; Low Back Pain
• Other Study ID Numbers: REC/02134 Suleman

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No