Effects of Myofascial Techniques on Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that can negatively affect physical function, postural control, mobility, and quality of life. In addition to conventional exercise-based interventions, myofascial release techniques have been used to address soft tissue restrictions and improve musculoskeletal function. However, the effects of applying myofascial release locally to the lumbar region compared with applying it along the Superficial Back Line have not been sufficiently clarified in individuals with chronic low back pain.

The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the effects of local lumbar myofascial release and Superficial Back Line myofascial release, when combined with conservative treatment, on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, lumbar range of motion, static and dynamic balance, and functional disability in individuals with chronic low back pain.

Participants diagnosed with chronic low back pain will be randomly allocated to one of three intervention groups: (1) conservative treatment alone, (2) conservative treatment combined with local lumbar myofascial release, and (3) conservative treatment combined with myofascial release applied along the Superficial Back Line. All interventions will be administered three times per week for six consecutive weeks, resulting in a total of 18 treatment sessions.

The conservative treatment program will be applied to all three groups and will consist of stretching, strengthening, and postural exercises designed to address the physical limitations associated with chronic low back pain. Participants in the second group will additionally receive local myofascial release targeting the lumbar region. Participants in the third group will receive myofascial release along the Superficial Back Line, targeting the posterior myofascial structures according to the intervention protocol.

Myofascial release will be performed using a roller bar. Controlled and rhythmic pressure will be applied for approximately 60 seconds per treatment region. The total duration of the myofascial release application will be approximately 10-15 minutes per session, depending on the treatment protocol and individual participant tolerance.

Demographic and anthropometric characteristics, including age, height, and body weight, will be recorded, and body mass index will be calculated.

Clinical outcomes will be evaluated before and after the six-week intervention period. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while pressure pain threshold will be measured using a digital algometer. Lumbar range of motion will be evaluated using a goniometer. Static and dynamic balance will be assessed using the Biodex Balance System. Functional disability related to low back pain will be evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

The changes in clinical outcomes within each group and the differences between the three intervention groups will be analyzed to determine whether adding local lumbar myofascial release or Superficial Back Line myofascial release to conservative treatment provides additional benefits. The study will also compare the effects of the two myofascial approaches to determine whether the location and extent of myofascial application influence clinical outcomes in individuals with chronic low back pain.