Effect of Psoas Muscle Myofascial Release on Pain and Disability Index in People With Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to examine the effect of the psoas myofascial release (MFR), along with physiotherapy (PT) on pain and disability index in treating people with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NCLBP).

Methods

Forty subjects with NCLBP (>3 months) were randomly allocated into 2 groups (n = 20) of the MFR+ PT and PT alone groups. Each group received 8 sessions of PT. The MFR+ PT group received the psoas MFR in 4 sessions in addition to PT. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale was used for pain assessment, while the Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) for disability index was employed to evaluate the effect of psoas MFR and PT. Assessments were performed at baseline, end of the treatment, and 4 weeks of follow-up.

Results

The statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in pain and disability index in both groups at the end of the treatment (P < .001). A significant decline in disability index was observed in the MFR+ PT group (P < .05). There were no significant differences in pain between the 2 groups post-intervention (P > .05).

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that the psoas MFR may have an effect on the disability index in people with NCLBP. However, psoas MFR was not more effective in reducing pain.