POSITIONAL RELEASE AND MANUAL PRESSURE TECHNIQUES OF TIGHT HIP FLEXORS ON PAIN, RANGE OF MOTION, LUMBOSACRAL ANGLE AND DISABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN

Abstract

Long-term and serious instances of low back problems can result in muscular deconditioning owing to tightness and atrophy as a result of activity limitations. Chronic low backache or dysfunction (CLBD) is a disorder that occurs as a consequence of poor posture, a condition known as spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, recurrent trauma, or instability.  Objective: Low back pain may lead to muscle degenerative conditions due to spasms and shortening as a result of activity constraints. The objective of the study was to compare the effects of two therapeutic interventions including, Positional Release (PRT) and Manual Pressure Techniques on Pain, Range of Motion, Lumbosacral Angle, and Disability in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical experiment was undertaken. Forty six subjects were incorporated using a convenient sampling strategy based on predefined criteria for selection. Patients were distributed at random to one of two experimental groups. Group A was provided PRT, whereas Group B got manual release technique. The NPRS, Oswestry disability questionnaire and inclinometer was used to gauge intensity of pain, impairment and hip ROM. Furthermore, the lumbosacral angle was measured using a radiograph at beginning as well as following a four week follow up. Results: With the exception of lumbosacral angle (p>0.05), there was a substantial difference in the means of prior to and following treatment values (p<0.05) for the NPRS, hip ROM, and Oswestry disability questionnaire in both groups. Between groups comparison revealed a significant disparity (p<0.05) in the Oswestry disability questionnaire and NPRS, hip ROM following a period of four weeks of therapy. Conclusion: In patients of CLBP, both positional release technique and Manual pressure technique were efficient in alleviating level of pain and promoting hip ROM. Manual pressure technique was found to be superior in terms of increasing hip flexion and extension and reducing pain and disability.

Keywords: Chronic low back pain, Hip flexors, Lumbosacral angle, Manual pressure technique, Positional release technique.