Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Neuromuscular Inhibition vs Muscle Energy Techniques With Core Exercises in Mechanical Low Back Pain

Turkey (Türkiye)60 participantsStarted 2025-04-01

Plain-language summary

Chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP) is a common clinical problem that affects physical function, spinal mobility, and quality of life. Manual therapy techniques such as Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) are frequently used in clinical practice to reduce pain and improve function. Core stabilization exercises (CSE) have also been reported to enhance spinal stability and neuromuscular control. However, limited evidence exists comparing the combined effects of these manual therapy techniques with core stabilization exercise on clinical outcomes in individuals with CMLBP. This randomized controlled clinical study aims to compare the effects of CSE combined with INIT and CSE combined with MET on pain intensity, functional disability, lumbar range of motion, psychosocial status, muscle endurance, and quality of life in adults with chronic mechanical low back pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) CSE + INIT or (2) CSE + MET. Each group will receive treatment two times per week for six weeks. Pain severity, functional status, lumbar mobility, patient-reported outcomes, and muscle endurance will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at follow-up. The results of this study will help determine whether INIT or MET provides additional benefit when combined with core stabilization exercise for improving symptoms and function in individuals with chronic mechanical low back pain.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-65 * Diagnosed chronic mechanical low back pain (\>3 months) * Pain localized between T12 and gluteal fold * Ability to follow exercise instructions * Voluntary consent Exclusion Criteria: * Spine surgery history * Herniated disc with neurological deficit * Systemic neuromuscular or rheumatologic disease * Acute lumbar trauma * Pregnancy * Current participation in another clinical trial * Use of analgesics, muscle relaxants, or physiotherapy within the past 4 weeks

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)

Timeframe: Baseline, Week 6 (post-treatment)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07258927

SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-12-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain trials