Low Back Pain
Conditions
Keywords
Gluteus Medius, Low Back Pain, Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain, Exercise Therapy
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of elastic resistance training and free weight training in strengthening the gluteus medius muscle among patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Weakness in the gluteus medius can contribute to pelvic instability and altered gait patterns, which may exacerbate low back pain. While both elastic resistance and free weight exercises are commonly used in rehabilitation, there is limited evidence comparing their relative benefits in this population. This study evaluates improvements in pain, muscle strength, and overall gait speed following each intervention. The findings will help guide clinicians in choosing the most effective and accessible strengthening method for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Detailed description
The gluteus medius plays a vital role in pelvic stabilization and maintaining proper gait mechanics. Dysfunction or weakness in this muscle is frequently associated with chronic non-specific low back pain, a condition affecting a significant proportion of the population. Rehabilitation strategies that target the gluteus medius are crucial for restoring lumbar-pelvic stability, optimizing functional movement, and reducing pain. Free weight training, using equipment like dumbbells and barbells, is a traditional method to enhance muscle strength and improve neuromuscular coordination. However, it often requires proper supervision to avoid injury due to the need for controlled movements and joint stability. On the other hand, elastic resistance training, which employs tools like resistance bands or tubes, offers a safer, cost-effective, and portable alternative. It allows progressive resistance throughout the range of motion, matching the user's strength curve and facilitating home-based exercise programs. This randomized controlled trial is designed to compare these two training modalities, which are elastic resistance versus free weights in terms of their effectiveness at improving gluteus medius strength, reducing low back pain, and enhancing gait speed in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. The trial includes baseline and post-intervention assessments using validated clinical tools for measuring pain, strength, and gait speed. The goal is to determine which intervention yields greater clinical benefit and offers a more practical approach for implementation in therapeutic settings, especially for populations with limited access to conventional gym equipment. The findings could contribute valuable evidence to inform clinical decision-making in physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Interventions
PROCEDUREElastic Resistance Training
The type of resistance exercises in which the participants use the Thera Band of yellow and red colours (weight about 2-2.5 kg with full elongation) for resistance training
PROCEDUREFree Weight Exercises
The type of resistance exercises in which the participants use weight cuffs (weight 2-2.5 kg) tied to their lower leg for resistance training
PROCEDUREConventional Training
The conventional training includes side-lying hip abductions, standing weighted abductions, and lateral step-ups exercises.
Sponsors
Khyber Medical University Peshawar
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Participants and assessors performing pre- and post-intervention evaluations will be blinded to group allocation to reduce bias.
Intervention model description
Participants will be randomly assigned to either an elastic resistance training group or a free weight training group to compare outcomes related to pain, strength, and gait speed.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
30 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. Age 30-60 years 2. Both males and females of any race and ethnicity 3. Musculoskeletal condition that affects the gluteus Medius of hip 4. MMT for gluteus medius is 3 or less than 3 5. chronic stage of nonspecific low back pain 6. Cognitively intact (mini mental scale) and able to walk 10 meters with or without support. 7. Volunteer participations.
Exclusion criteria
1. Post-surgical conditions like TKR, THR. 2. Any contraindication to exercise. 3. Female individuals who have muscular weakness due to pregnancy 4. Any neurological conditions (myopathies, neuropathies) causing muscular weakness 5. Chronic low back pain in which Gluteus Medius weakness is not measurable.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Pain Intensity | Baseline and at 4 weeks post-intervention | Pain will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), a self-reported 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). |
| Change in Gluteus Medius Muscle Strength | Baseline and at 4 weeks post-intervention | Muscle strength will be measured using a manual muscle testing to assess isometric strength of the gluteus medius. A system of manually testing weakness of muscles by assuming different positions and performing movements against gravity or gravity eliminated depending on the strength of the and 5 indicates the muscle can hold anti-gravity position against maximum resistance. |
| Change in Overall Gait Speed | Baseline and at 4 weeks post-intervention | Gait speed will be measured using the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), recorded in meters per second (m/s). |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed