Myofascial release technique combined with core stability exercises versus core stability exercises among adult males with non-specific chronic low back pain: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a general disorder that can make daily duties challenging. This study aimed to measure the efficacy of the myofascial release (MR) combined with core stability exercises (CSE) versus CSE on pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), activity of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL) among adult males with non-specific chronic low back pain in Palestine.

METHODS: Sixty-four adult male patients in a single-blinded, pilot randomized control trial (RCT) were assigned to either the experimental group (MR&CSE) or to the control group (CSE &SHAM (gentle effleurage superficial massage)), who received three sessions per week for eight weeks. Data collection included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the TiltMeter advance app for lumbar ROM, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for back disability, and the Euroqol group's 5-domain 5-level questionnaire EQ-5D-5L for QOL.

RESULTS: All the measures showed a significant improvement in both experimental and control groups at the post-test (p = .00): pain intensity, ROM, back disability, and QOL. Additionally, statistical analysis showed that the experimental group had a greater effect than the control group at all measures based on the effect size between groups at the post-test (Cohen's d > 0.97).

CONCLUSION: This pilot RCT study found that CSE combined with MR intervention is an effective approach for non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP); CSE combined with MR can be considered as more effective treatment than CSE alone for NSCLBP.