Lumbar Pain, Non-specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP)
Conditions
Keywords
manual therapy, cleaning professionals, psoas major, stretching technique
Brief summary
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to determine the effect of a psoas major muscle intervention on non-specific and chronic lumbar pain in cleaning professionals. It is expected that this intervention will reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the effect of psoas major stretching techniques. To collect data, participants will rate their pain intensity on a numeric pain scale at rest and during maximal lumbar flexion. Secondary variables include lumbar flexion range of motion (ROM), assessed by the Schöber test, and hip ROM, which will be measured before and after the intervention using a digital goniometer.
Detailed description
Cleaning professionals are particularly vulnerable to musculoskeletal pain, predominantly low back pain due to intense occupational hazards like repetitive movements, heavy lifting in awkward postures, and prolonged standing. The psoas major muscle plays a critical role in this clinical context; morphological changes, such as muscle atrophy and fat infiltration, are commonly observed in low back pain patients. Furthermore, a shortened or asymmetrical psoas alters spinal biomechanics-often increasing lumbar lordosis and overloading facet joints-which strongly predisposes individuals to chronic pain and instability. Furthermore, a shortened or asymmetrical psoas alters spinal biomechanics-often increasing lumbar lordosis and overloading facet joints-which strongly predisposes individuals to chronic pain and instability. This study aims to highlight the biomechanical importance of the iliopsoas muscle and evaluate the therapeutic impact of the stretching technique in reducing symptoms, improving mobility, and preventing functional limitations associated with iliopsoas dysfunction.
Interventions
OTHERPsoas stretching technique
The patient is positioned supine at the edge of the table. The investigator places their hands on both of the participant's knees, applying gentle downward pressure on the ipsilateral knee to stretch the psoas major muscle. This stretch is held for 30 seconds and performed bilaterally (once on each side) to the experimental group.
OTHERPlacebo
Patient is positioned supine at the edge of the table. The investigator places one hand on the participant's ipsilateral knee without applying any pressure or force, and the other hand on the contralateral knee for stabilization. This position is maintained for 30 seconds to match the duration of the experimental intervention. The technique was performed bilaterally (once on each side) to the control group.
Sponsors
Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Porto
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
All evaluations will be conducted by an independent, blinded assessor who is not involved in administering the interventions. First, participants will complete a screening questionnaire to confirm they meet all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline measurements will then be recorded, including pain intensity at rest and during maximal lumbar flexion, as well as lumbar mobility via the Schöber test. Following the initial assessment, the blinded assessor will leave the room, and a separate investigator will administer the assigned intervention. Afterward, the blinded assessor will return to conduct the post-intervention assessment using the same protocols. Participants will be blinded to their group allocation, ensuring a participant- and assessor-blinded study design.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Being a cleaning professional for at least 4 years * Report at least 1 episode of lumbar pain in the last 3 months
Exclusion criteria
* Any severe spinal condition (such as spondylolisthesis, spine fracture, etc.) * Any severe neurological or rheumatological condition * Pregnancy * Daily use of pain medication
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Low Back Pain Intensity at Rest Assessed Using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS, 0-10) | Baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention. | Low back pain intensity at rest will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), a self-reported scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst imaginable pain." Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity and therefore a worse outcome. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lumbar Range of Motion Assessed Using the Schober Test | Baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention. | Lumbar range of motion (ROM) will be assessed using the Schober Test at rest and during anterior lumbar flexion. The test measures lumbar spine mobility by quantifying the increase in distance between predefined anatomical landmarks during trunk flexion. Higher values indicate greater lumbar mobility and therefore a better outcome. |
| Hip Flexion Range of Motion Assessed Using a Digital Goniometer | Baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention. | Hip flexion range of motion (ROM) will be assessed with the participant in the supine position using a digital goniometer. Measurements will be recorded in degrees (°). Higher values indicate greater hip flexion mobility and therefore a better outcome. |
Countries
Portugal
Contacts
CONTACTNatália MO Campelo, PhD
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORNatália MO Campelo
ESS
Outcome results
None listed