NCT07165249

PRT vs MET in Non-Specific Low Back Pain With Facet Restriction

Positional Release Technique Versus Muscle Energy Technique For Patients With Non-Specific Low Back Pain With Facet Joint Restriction

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (actual)
• Sponsor: Palestine Ahliya University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 25 Years – 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Objective:The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in reducing pain and improving outcomes for patients suffering from non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Materials and Methods: Thirty-six patients between the ages of 25 and 50, all referred by an orthopedic surgeon for treatment of non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups (n=18 per group) using a computer-generated randomization sequence. However, details regarding allocation concealment and blinding of participants or assessors were not specified, which may influence the risk of bias. Group A received Positional Release Technique (PRT), while Group B received Muscle Energy Technique (MET). Prior to each treatment session, both groups received a standardized 15-minute hot pack application as a co-intervention to promote muscle relaxation and ensure consistency across interventions. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and functional outcomes were measured with the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ). Participants in both groups attended three physiotherapy sessions per week over a four-week treatment period.

Detailed description

1. Study Identification Official Title: Positional Release Technique Versus Muscle Energy Technique for Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain With Facet Joint Restriction Brief Title: PRT vs MET in Non-Specific Low Back Pain Study Type: Interventional (Clinical Trial) Phase: Not Applicable 2. Study Description Brief Summary: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in reducing pain and improving outcomes for patients suffering from non-specific low back pain with suspected facet joint dysfunction. Thirty-six patients were randomized into two groups and received treatment for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Pain intensity (VAS) and functional disability (Roland-Morris Questionnaire) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. 3. Study Design Allocation: Randomized Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment Masking: None (Open Label) Primary Purpose: Treatment 4. Conditions \& Interventions Condition: Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) Interventions: Group A (PRT): Positional Release Technique - 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks with hot pack co-intervention. Group B (MET): Muscle Energy Technique - 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks with hot pack co-intervention. 5. Outcome Measures Primary Outcome Measures: Pain intensity (VAS) - Baseline and after 4 weeks. Functional disability (Roland-Morris Questionnaire, RMQ) - Baseline and after 4 weeks. 6. Eligibility Ages Eligible for Study: 25-50 years Sexes Eligible for Study: All Inclusion Criteria: Chronic NSLBP \>3 months, suspected facet joint dysfunction. Exclusion Criteria: History of spinal surgery, vertebral fracture, osteoporosis, inflammatory/metabolic bone disease, spondylolisthesis. 7. Enrollment Enrollment: 36 participants (actual) 8. Locations Maqassed Hospital, East Jerusalem, Palestine

Conditions

• Non Specific Low Back Pain
• Muscle Energy Technique

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Positional release technique (PRT)	Group A (PRT): Patients lay prone for the application of the hot pack. PRT was then applied to the erector spinae muscles. The therapist identified tender points and passively positioned the patient into a position of comfort, typically involving lateral trunk flexion toward the symptomatic side. Each session involved three 90-second holds per tender point. PRT procedures followed standardized positioning principles as described in previous literature.
BEHAVIORAL	Muscle energy technique	Group B (MET): Following the hot pack application, patients were assessed for segmental dysfunction via palpation of lumbar transverse processes in prone position. MET was applied using isometric contractions aimed at correcting lumbar rotational or side-bending dysfunctions. Each contraction was held for 7-10 seconds, followed by a passive stretch. The technique was repeated for 3-5 cycles per session.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-09-02
• Primary completion: 2024-05-15
• Completion: 2024-07-20
• First posted: 2025-09-10
• Last updated: 2025-09-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Palestinian Territories