Trials / Completed

CompletedNCT06976242

Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Elastic Resistance Versus Free Weight Training Of Gluteus Medius In Improving Pain, Strength, And Overall Gait Speed In Patients With Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Status: Completed
Phase: N/A
Study type: Interventional
Enrollment: 36 (actual)

Sponsor: Khyber Medical University Peshawar · Academic / Other
Sex: All
Age: 30 Years – 60 Years
Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of elastic resistance training and free weight training in strengthening the gluteus medius muscle among patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Weakness in the gluteus medius can contribute to pelvic instability and altered gait patterns, which may exacerbate low back pain. While both elastic resistance and free weight exercises are commonly used in rehabilitation, there is limited evidence comparing their relative benefits in this population. This study evaluates improvements in pain, muscle strength, and overall gait speed following each intervention. The findings will help guide clinicians in choosing the most effective and accessible strengthening method for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Detailed description

The gluteus medius plays a vital role in pelvic stabilization and maintaining proper gait mechanics. Dysfunction or weakness in this muscle is frequently associated with chronic non-specific low back pain, a condition affecting a significant proportion of the population. Rehabilitation strategies that target the gluteus medius are crucial for restoring lumbar-pelvic stability, optimizing functional movement, and reducing pain. Free weight training, using equipment like dumbbells and barbells, is a traditional method to enhance muscle strength and improve neuromuscular coordination. However, it often requires proper supervision to avoid injury due to the need for controlled movements and joint stability. On the other hand, elastic resistance training, which employs tools like resistance bands or tubes, offers a safer, cost-effective, and portable alternative. It allows progressive resistance throughout the range of motion, matching the user's strength curve and facilitating home-based exercise programs. This randomized controlled trial is designed to compare these two training modalities, which are elastic resistance versus free weights in terms of their effectiveness at improving gluteus medius strength, reducing low back pain, and enhancing gait speed in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. The trial includes baseline and post-intervention assessments using validated clinical tools for measuring pain, strength, and gait speed. The goal is to determine which intervention yields greater clinical benefit and offers a more practical approach for implementation in therapeutic settings, especially for populations with limited access to conventional gym equipment. The findings could contribute valuable evidence to inform clinical decision-making in physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Conditions

Low Back Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Elastic Resistance Training	The type of resistance exercises in which the participants use the Thera Band of yellow and red colours (weight about 2-2.5 kg with full elongation) for resistance training
PROCEDURE	Free Weight Exercises	The type of resistance exercises in which the participants use weight cuffs (weight 2-2.5 kg) tied to their lower leg for resistance training
PROCEDURE	Conventional Training	The conventional training includes side-lying hip abductions, standing weighted abductions, and lateral step-ups exercises.

Timeline

Start date: 2025-04-01
Primary completion: 2025-06-29
Completion: 2025-08-15
First posted: 2025-05-16
Last updated: 2025-09-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT06976242. Inclusion in this directory is not an endorsement.