Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique versus Myofascial Mobilization in Improving Functional Outcome in Sub-Acute Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

MET vs Myofascial Mobilization in Sub-acute LBP

Abstract

Background: The low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition. There is limited evidence comparing muscle energy technique (MET) versus myofascial mobilization in managing sub-acute Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). The study’s aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of MET and myofascial mobilization in reducing pain intensity and functional outcomes in NSLBP.

Methodology: A clinical trial was performed at Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation on 60 participants. Outcome measures used were visual analogue scale (VAS) and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) to determine pain and disability respectively at baseline and at post-intervention. Subjects were randomized into experimental and control groups which received MET and myofascial mobilization respectively. However, both groups received standard therapy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and general muscle strengthening exercises. SPSS version 23 was used for analysis of data. Wilcoxon signed ranked test employed to comparison of baseline and after treatment outcomes within the group. The Mann-Whitney test was employed for between-group differences. A p-value below 0.05 was considered as significant. 

Results: The mean age was 40.9± 8.9 in group A and 44.9±9.3 in group B. 17 (28.3%) were females, and 43 (71.7%) were males. Intra-group analysis revealed statistically significant decrease in pain-like symptoms and level of disability in each group (p < 0.01). However, inter group analysis showed pain and disability were statistically insignificant (p-value > 0.05).

Conclusion: It is concluded that MET and myofascial mobilization are equally beneficial for LBP in alleviating pain intensity and disability.

Keywords: Disability, Exercise, Muscle Energy Technique, Muscle pain, Myofascial Mobilization, Manual Therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration: Prospective registration was done at the clinicaltrial.gov (NCT05428280).

To cite this article: Abdullah F, Akhtar S, Baig AAM. Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique versus Myofascial Mobilization in improving Functional Outcome in Sub-Acute Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation. 2026; 15(1):14-18.