An interventional study of SASTM and IASTM in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain, Pelvic Obliquity and Hamstring Flexibility, sponsored by University of Lahore. Completed at 2 sites in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 40 Years to 55 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-01.
Sponsored by University of Lahore · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the most common medical problem observed among musculoskeletal pain and spinal pain problems. It can reduce the movements due to muscular imbalances, decreased activity of daily living, and effects on health-related quality of life. It is the major cause of activity limitation, work absence, and reported clinical issues. Most of the cases of low back pain remained undiagnosed and received only symptomatic management.
There is limited literature on advanced soft tissue release techniques provided by primary healthcare practitioners specific to low back pain. Some of the studies are based on soft tissue mobilization using a mechanically assisted method, but they have limited outcomes, acute effects, and small sample sizes, which limit their generalization. Further literature is limited in the comparison of IASTM and SASTM. Further, there are limited techniques that can facilitate practitioners to identify the restrictions.
Firstly, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), due to its body contour and shape, recognizes specific tissue lesions and restriction sites while targeting specific points rather than using manual methods that cover a larger contact area. Using the mechanotransduction phenomenon, its mechanical stimuli initiate biochemical signals that trigger cellular responses and ultimately functional improvement. Biomechanically, fascial elasticity, fascial stiffness, and viscosity absorb and distribute forces. While tissue hydration level is increased, that is compromised in chronic low back pain.
Secondly, sound-assisted soft tissue mobilization could be an intervention for treating musculoskeletal disorders. The SASTM technique has the potential to be a game-changer in pain management after IASTM. The sound decreases as adhesions are broken. While breakdown of scar tissue can be a facilitator for ease of movement patterns.
University of Lahore is the lead sponsor of 223 studies on the registry; 40 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Exclusion Criteria:
Group A (IASTM + Conventional therapy)
Device: IASTM · Other: Exercise
Group B (SASTM + Conventional)
Device: SASTM · Other: Exercise
Conventional therapy
Other: Exercise
The therapist will apply sound instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (SASTM) with a convex plastic (Ceramic) tool (Beer JA, 2019).
The IASTM technique contains a protocol for treatment that contains five components: i. Examination, ii. warm-up exercises 5 min iii. IASTM treatment (e.g., 30-60 seconds per session), iv. Post treatment stretching and strengthening, v. Icing (only when sub-acute inflammation is of concern).
In conventional therapy, patients will be given an exercise program that will be targeted to low back muscles. This will be include three type of exercise focusing on stretching, strengthening and postural correction exercise.(Yana et al., 2024)
Pain Intensity
The pain will be assessed using Chronic Pain grading Scale (CPGS).
Time frame: Pain intensity will be noted at baseline ,after the 2nd week, 3rd week, 4th week, and follow up will be taken at 2nd month, and after the 4th month post intervention.
Flexibility
Modified-Modified Schober Test will be used to measure Lumbar flexibility.
Time frame: The lumbar flexibility will be noted at basline after the 2nd week, 3rd week, 4th week, and follow up will be taken at 2nd month, and after the 4th month post intervention.
Function
Functional movement Screen (FMS) will be used.
Time frame: The functional movement screening will be noted at baseline, after the 2nd week, 3rd week, 4th week, and follow up will be taken at 2nd month, and after the 4th month post intervention.
Disability
Roland Morris Disability Index will be used to measure disability Index.
Time frame: Disability will be assessed before treatment, after the 2nd month, and 4th month post-intervention.
Hamstring Flexibility
Active knee Extension Test will be used to assess hamstring Flexibility.
Time frame: Hamstring flexibility will be measured at basline, 2nd month, and after the 4th month post intervention.
Pelvic obliquity
Leg length difference will be measured as an indicator of pelvic obliquity.
Time frame: The pelvic obliquity will be assessed before treatment, after 2nd month and 4th month post-intervention.
Plan to share: No
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
This study is completed, as verified in Sep 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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University of Lahore