Effect of IASTM on Parameters Like Pain, Range of Motion and Level of Function in Activities of Daily Living in Low Back Pain Patients A Study Protocol for RCT
Dr. Noel Samuel Macwan, MPT (Phd) & Dr. Vandit Gandhi (BPT)Background: Low back pain (LBP) located above the gluteal curvature and below the costal edge is a significant public health issue that may frequently result in referrals to medical services as it is linked to both disability and absenteeism. LBP is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition as up to two-thirds of adults have LBP at some point in their lives. Many treatment approaches for LBP have been found in the literature depending on the persistence of the symptoms ranging from Electro-physical agents to as simple as patient education. Even after treating LBP its recurrence is common so the need of more efficient technique in form of IASTM is required. It is a well-liked treatment approach for myofascial restriction in recent years, and it is used in addition to traditional treatment for low back pain. Literature search shows very few articles that have seen the effect of IASTM on Low back pain. Therefore the purpose of this study is to see the effectiveness IASTM on low back pain subjects. Methodology: All participants coming to Physiotherapy OPD will be screened as per the routine musculoskeletal assessment. Those who meet the inclusion criteria and are willing to participate in the study will be requested to fill the informed consent form. Those participants who fall under the exclusion criteria will be excluded from the study. Participants will be randomly allocated to either to the Interventional group or the control group with the use of simple randomization. Once the assessment is completed the patient will be treated as per the treatment protocol devised for the Interventional group or control group respectively. Patients in both the groups (Interventional group and control group) will receive 2 days treatment (on 1st day and 7th day) in a week. Outcome Measures: Primary outcome: Modified modified schober’s test, Secondary outcome: Visual Analog scale, Oswestry disability index Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics will be done by taking help of a Biostatistician. The latest version of SPSS software available with the Biostatistician will be used for doing the statistical analysis. Conclusion: This study protocol presents a RCT on the efficacy of IASTM and General Back exercises in patients with Low back pain. The results of this RCT will be helpful in contributing better insights on the efficacy of IASTM on pain levels, range of motion of lumbar spine and activities of daily living performance in LBP subjects. Clinical Trial Registration: The study is registered with Clinical Trials Registry- India (CTRI), with the registration number for the trial being CTRI/2023/05/052764.