An interventional study of Graston Technique and Diacutaneous Fibrolysis in Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain, sponsored by University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan. Enrolling by invitation at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 20 Years to 40 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-23.
Sponsored by University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This randomized clinical trial compared Graston Technique (GT) and Diacutaneous Fibrolysis (DF) in 30 patients with non-specific low back pain. Both treatments significantly reduced pain and disability and improved lumbar mobility. However, DF was more effective than GT in improving functional disability and lumbar flexion, while both techniques showed similar effects on pain, lumbar extension, and lateral flexion. Overall, DF may be preferable when improving functional ability is the main treatment goal.
This study was a two-arm parallel randomized clinical trial designed to compare the effectiveness of Graston Technique (GT) and Diacutaneous Fibrolysis (DF) in patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). The main purpose was to determine whether one technique provided greater improvement in pain, lumbar mobility, and functional disability.
A total of 30 patients with NSLBP participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two equal groups: 15 participants received Graston Technique (GT) and 15 received Diacutaneous Fibrolysis (DF). Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention.
The researchers evaluated several important clinical outcomes. Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Functional disability was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Lumbar mobility was evaluated using inclinometric measurements of lumbar flexion, extension, right lateral flexion, and left lateral flexion. The Modified Schober Test was also used to assess lumbar flexion mobility and determine whether participants had restricted or normal lumbar movement.
.
2,922 studies on the registry are indexed under Low Back Pain; 580 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 30 is below the median of 60 across 2,364 interventional studies indexed under Low Back Pain.
Browse Low Back Pain studies →University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan is the lead sponsor of 8 studies on the registry; 6 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Group A consisted of 15 patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) who were randomly assigned to receive the Graston Technique (GT). Participants received GT as the primary manual therapy intervention according to the standardized study protocol.
Other: Graston Technique
Group B consisted of 15 patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) who were randomly assigned to receive Diacutaneous Fibrolysis (DF). Participants received DF as the primary manual therapy intervention using specialized hook-shaped instruments.
Other: Diacutaneous Fibrolysis
Graston Technique (GT) is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that uses specially designed stainless-steel instruments to identify and treat areas of soft-tissue restriction, adhesions, and altered tissue mobility. During treatment, the therapist applies the instrument over the affected tissues using controlled strokes and appropriate pressure to facilitate soft-tissue mobilization and improve tissue flexibility. In patients with non-specific low back pain, GT may be applied to the lumbar paraspinal muscles, thoracolumbar fascia, and other relevant soft tissues. The technique is intended to reduce pain, improve soft-tissue mobility, increase lumbar range of motion, and enhance functional performance. In this study, GT is used as the active intervention and its effects are compared with Diacutaneous Fibrolysis on pain, functional disability, and lumbar mobility.
Diacutaneous Fibrolysis (DF) is a manual therapy technique that uses specially designed hook-shaped instruments to apply pressure and traction to soft tissues. The technique aims to mechanically mobilize areas of fibrosis, adhesions, and restricted connective tissue, particularly around muscles, tendons, fascia, and other anatomical structures. In patients with non-specific low back pain, DF can be applied to the lumbar and thoracolumbar regions to improve tissue mobility and reduce mechanical restrictions. The technique may help decrease pain, improve lumbar range of motion, and enhance functional ability. In this study, DF is used as an active intervention and compared with Graston Technique (GT) to determine which approach provides greater improvement in pain, functional disability, and lumbar mobility.
numeric pain rating scale for pain
Numerical Pain Rating Scale for pain
Time frame: 4 weeks
Oswestry Disability index scale for disability
Oswestry Disability index scale for diability
Time frame: 4 weeks
Modified Schober test for ROM and flexibilty
Modified Schober test for ROM and flexibilty
Time frame: 4 weeks
Digital Inclinometer for ROM
Digital Inclinometer for ROM
Time frame: 4 weeks
Plan to share: Undecided — it has not been decided yet.
Ran from Jan 2026 to primary completion in Jul 2026, 6 months.
Of 1,231 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Low Back Pain, half reached primary completion within 11 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 5 and three quarters within 26. This study's 6 months is below that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 1,286 studies reached it within 11 months; a quarter within 5 and three quarters within 27.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.
No contact was published for this record. The registry link below has the sponsor’s details.
Get an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.
University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan