Background \& Rationale:
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is complex and prone to recurrence, making its management difficult. Clinicians often use passive manual therapies like the Positional Release Technique (PRT) to reduce pain. However, evidence suggests that passive treatments alone may not provide long-term relief unless combined with active interventions. Therapeutic exercise (TE) is a fundamental active approach that targets core deficits in strength and motor control. The key question is whether adding TE to PRT offers a significant advantage over PRT used in isolation.
Aim:
This study aimed to directly compare the clinical effectiveness of a combined treatment (PRT + TE) versus PRT alone in managing CLBP, with the hypothesis that the combined approach would be superior.
Methodology:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 participants diagnosed with CLBP (pain duration ≥3 months), aged 20-65. They were recruited from a single physiotherapy center. Participants with specific spinal pathologies (e.g., fractures, disc abnormalities) were excluded. They were randomly divided into two groups:
Group A (Experimental): Received PRT combined with a structured Therapeutic Exercise program.
Group B (Control): Received PRT alone.
Outcome Measures:
Effectiveness was assessed using standardized tools measured before and after the treatment period:
Pain Intensity: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Functional Disability: Roland-Morris Questionnaire (RMQ). Muscular Performance: A curl-up test for abdominal endurance.
