An interventional study of Manual diaphragm release and Control in Low Back Pain and Diaphragm; Relaxation, sponsored by Karabuk University. Recruiting at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-12-23.
Sponsored by Karabuk University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, significantly affecting the quality of life of individuals. In non-specific low back pain, a lack of stabilization in the core region negatively impacts the performance of activities. The diaphragm forms the framework of the core region, and its dysfunction can contribute to both respiratory problems and low back pain. This study will investigate the effects of diaphragm relaxation, added to spinal stabilization exercises, on pain, disability, quality of life, central sensitization, and trunk muscle endurance.
Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, limiting daily life activities, leading to loss of productivity, and significantly reducing quality of life. In non-specific low back pain, insufficient stabilization in the trunk region and inadequate activation of deep muscles reduce the effectiveness of functional movements and contribute to chronic pain. The diaphragm, a crucial component of trunk stability, plays a critical role not only in respiratory function but also in maintaining spinal stability through the regulation of intra-abdominal pressure. Dysfunction or insufficient relaxation of the diaphragm can lead to changes in breathing patterns, impaired postural control, and persistent low back pain.
Therefore, a better understanding of the diaphragm's role in low back pain mechanisms and its targeting in therapeutic interventions is becoming increasingly important. This study aims to investigate the effects of diaphragm relaxation techniques, applied in addition to spinal stabilization exercises, on pain intensity, disability level, quality of life, central sensitivity, and trunk muscle endurance.
2,818 studies on the registry are indexed under Low Back Pain; 482 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 42 is below the median of 60 across 2,268 interventional studies indexed under Low Back Pain.
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Exclusion Criteria:
In addition to spinal stabilization exercises, patients will undergo manual diaphragmatic release three times a week for eight weeks.
Other: Manual diaphragm release
Patients in the control group will receive spinal stabilization exercises three times a week for eight weeks.
Other: Control
In addition to spinal stabilization exercises, patients will perform diaphragmatic relaxation exercises three days a week for eight weeks.
Patients will undergo spinal stabilization exercises three times a week for eight weeks.
Pain severity
The severity of back pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients choose the appropriate score between 0 and 10. Higher scores indicate higher pain levels.
Time frame: Baseline, After intervention (eight week later)
Central sensitization
Central sensitization will be assessed with the "Central Sensitization Scale". The total score range is between 0-100 points. As the score increases, sensitization increases and 40 points and above are considered higher sensitization.
Time frame: Baseline, After intervention (eight week later)
Disability levels
Disability will be measured by the Oswestry Disability Index. The total score ranges from 0-100 and the higher the score, the higher the level of disability.
Time frame: Baseline, After intervention (eight week later)
Quality of life level
In the SF-36 quality of life assessment, each sub-parameter is scored on a scale of 0. 0 is the lowest score and 100 is the highest.
Time frame: Baseline, After intervention (eight week later)
Trunk muscle endurance
The endurance of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles will be evaluated. Increasing the duration of the test indicates an increase in endurance.
Time frame: Baseline, After intervention (eight week later)
Plan to share: No
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