European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON EFFECTIVENESS OF MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE AND POSITIONAL RELEASE TECHNIQUE TO MANAGE ILIOPSOAS TIGHTNESS IN NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN

Navneet Kaur, *Gurleen Kaur, Anmoldeep Kaur

ABSTRACT

Background: Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is a pervasive clinical challenge characterized by discomfort or tension in the lumbar region without an identifiable pathoanatomical cause. Iliopsoas tightness significantly impairs activities of daily living. The research specifically compares the efficacy of MET, PRT and core Stabilisation exercises combined with hamstring stretching in improving iliopsoas tightness, lumbar range of motion and reducing disability. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of MET versus PRT along with Core Stabilization exercises in reducing pain intensity among students with non-specific low back pain. Methods: 78 participants with NSLBP, aged between 18 and 25 years were recruited. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received Muscle Energy Technique combined with Core Stabilisation exercises and Hamstring Stretching; Group B received Positional Release Technique combined with Core Stabilisation exercises and Hamstring Stretching. The intervention was administered 3 sessions per week on alternative days for 3 weeks. Results: Both Groups showed the greatest improvement across all outcome measures. Between-group analysis revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.001) in favour of Group A for Modified Thomas Test, Disability (MODI) and lumbar range of motion (ROM). Conclusion: The findings suggest that a multimodal physiotherapy approach is effective in the management of NSLBP. MET combined with core stabilisation exercises along with hamstring stretching were found to be the most effective intervention, highlighting the importance of incorporating stabilization training for improving iliopsoas tightness, pain, and functional outcomes.

Keywords: Non-specific low back pain, Muscle Energy Technique (MET), Positional Release technique (PRT), Core stabilisation exercises, Iliopsoas tightness, therapeutic approaches.