Evaluating Pain and Functional Outcomes of Active Release Technique Versus Strain-counter- Stain … (NCT07418346) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Evaluating Pain and Functional Outcomes of Active Release Technique Versus Strain-counter- Stain in Chronic Low Back Pain
Pakistan40 participantsStarted 2025-05-05
Plain-language summary
clinical trial aims to compare the effects of Active Release Technique (ART) and Strain-Counter-Strain (SCS) on pain reduction and functional improvement in male patients aged 30-45 years with chronic low back pain (CLBP) persisting for at least 3-4 months. CLBP is a widespread and debilitating condition with significant impact on quality of life, healthcare costs, and work productivity. ART focuses on releasing myofascial adhesions and alleviating trigger points through manual pressure and movement, while SCS is a passive positional technique designed to reduce neuromuscular tension and restore range of motion.
A total of 40 participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups (ART group and SCS group). Both groups will receive standardized baseline treatment including a hot pack and interferential current therapy, followed by their respective intervention protocols for 12 sessions over 4 weeks. Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), functional disability using the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS), and functional limitation using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data will be analyzed using SPSS v25, applying paired and independent t-tests or their non-parametric equivalents, with a significance level of p \< 0.05.
The study is expected to provide evidence-based insight into which intervention is more effective in improving pain and functional outcomes in CLBP. The findings may help guide clinical decision-making, contribute to treatment guidelines, and support cost-effective, patient-centered management approaches.
Who can participate
Age range
30 Years – 45 Years
Sex
MALE
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:
* Patient will be diagnosed by the therapist.
* Individuals diagnosed with chronic low back pain persisting for at least 3-4 months.
* Patients aged 30-45 years.
* Only men will be included in this study
* Pain intensity of at least 4/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Exclusion Criteria:Patients with a history of spinal surgery or significant spinal conditions (e.g., fractures, tumors, infections).
* Individuals with neurological disorders like cauda equine, radiculopathy and spinal stenosis affecting the lower back or lower extremities.
* Pregnant women or individuals with contraindications to ART or strain-counter-strain therapy.
* Patients unable to provide informed consent or adhere to treatment protocols.
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.
1This trial compared two hands-on techniques — Active Release Technique and Strain-Counterstrain — for chronic low back pain, and measured outcomes using pain and disability scales like the Visual Analogue Scale and Oswestry Disability Index; given my specific symptoms and disability level, which of these two approaches does the evidence from this completed trial suggest might be more appropriate for me to try?
2Since this trial has already been completed, has the results data been published anywhere, and would you be able to walk me through what the findings actually showed about pain relief and functional improvement for people with chronic low back pain like mine?
3Both of these are manual therapy techniques with no drugs or surgery involved — based on what this trial measured, how do the potential benefits and any reported side effects compare to the standard care options you might recommend for me right now?
4The trial used the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale alongside the Oswestry Disability Index to track how much back pain was limiting daily activities — based on where I currently score on those kinds of measures, do you think I'd be a good candidate for either of these techniques?
5If one of these manual therapy approaches looks promising based on this trial's results, is this something a physiotherapist or osteopath in our area could actually provide, or would I need to seek out a specialist trained specifically in Active Release Technique or Strain-Counterstrain?
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
1
Visual analogue scale
Timeframe: fram enlloment to the end of treatment it 4 week
2
Oswerty disability index
Timeframe: fram enlloment to the end of treatment it 4 week
3
Quebec back pain disability
Timeframe: fram enlloment to the end of treatment it 4 week