NCT04230850

The Effects of Stretching Versus Static and Dynamic Cupping on Lumbar Range of Motion

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of South Carolina · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The objective of this study is to fill gaps in the literature regarding the effectiveness of cupping therapy on lumbar stiffness. Participants will be recruited from the University of South Carolina and from local clinics in Columbia, South Carolina. Individuals will be classified based on lumbar range of motion limitations, and then they will be equally dispersed into three treatment groups via stratified randomization. These groups include dynamic cupping, static cupping, or stretching. All participants will be assessed prior to selected treatment to obtain baseline values for four measures: back range of motion (BROM), pain pressure threshold (PPT), active straight leg raise (ASLR), and numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). Participants will be given each measure directly after treatment, followed by a follow-up measurement 24 hours after treatment.

Detailed description

Cupping therapy has become recently popular in Western culture due to affordability, lack of invasiveness, and low risk of adverse effects. However, there is insufficient evidence of the effectiveness on this treatment technique on decreasing pain and increasing range of motion. This project aims to help fill the gaps by using a larger sample size and clear methodology. The aims of the study include to determine if both static and dynamic cupping therapy have a greater effect on BROM, PPT, ASLR, and NRPS as compared to stretching, and if any changes made are maintained to a different degree over a 24 hour period based on treatment. Additional aims of the study include to determine if there is a difference between type of cupping (static vs dynamic) on these four measures. By performing this study, scientific knowledge of cupping therapy will be improved and expanded, thus impacting how it is used in clinical practice.

Conditions

• Stiffness; Spine

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Static Cupping	Two cups will be applied unilaterally to the lumbar paraspinals. The skin will be elevated to 1.5 cm ensuring standardized pressure. Cups will remain on the treatment area statically for 4 minutes prior to removal. Another 4 minute bout of identical treatment to the contralateral side will follow. (Participants will be equally dispersed into three treatment groups via stratified randomization).
OTHER	Dynamic Cupping	One cup will be applied ipsilaterally, raising skin to 1.2 cm of standard pressure. The cup will be continuously moved in a sweeping motion between L1 and L5 within a defined width. This process will be repeated on the other side. Each side will be treated for 4 minutes dynamically for a total treatment duration of 8 minutes. (Participants will be equally dispersed into three treatment groups via stratified randomization).
OTHER	Stretching	The stretching program performed will involve a double knee to chest stretch, cat stretch, camel stretch, and pelvic tilts. Participants will receive a 30 second rest break between each of the four stretches. (Participants will be equally dispersed into three treatment groups via stratified randomization).

Timeline

• Start date: 2020-01-20
• Primary completion: 2020-06-01
• Completion: 2020-09-01
• First posted: 2020-01-18
• Last updated: 2020-11-16

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States