An interventional study of Instrument assisted soft tissue (IASTM), Transvers oscillatory pressure (TOP) and Instrument assisted soft tissue (IASTM), Transvers oscillatory pressure (TOP) and Directional dynamic cupping in Back Pain, sponsored by University of Management and Technology Lahore. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 25 Years to 45 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-23.
Sponsored by University of Management and Technology Lahore · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This study aims to compare the sequential effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Transverse Oscillatory Pressure (TOP), with and without Directional Dynamic Cupping, in patients with thoracic back pain. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of these treatment approaches in reducing pain, improving functional ability, and minimizing disability during daily activities.
2,389 studies on the registry are indexed under Back Pain; 282 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 64 is close to the median of 60 across 1,952 interventional studies indexed under Back Pain.
Browse Back Pain studies →University of Management and Technology Lahore is the lead sponsor of 6 studies on the registry; 5 are open to participants now.
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Non-specific chronic thoracic back pain patients aged between 25 to 45 Both genders. Mild to moderate thoracic back pain with NPRS pain score value of between 3/10 6/10. Pain from at least past three months (12 weeks). Pain localized to thoracic region T1-T12, no radiating pain Willing to provide informed consent and attend all sessions
Exclusion Criteria:
Pathological conditions or diagnosed with disk herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and spondylitis and other medical illnesses such as tumor, lungs disease, and visceral disease or any other red flag condition Referred pain: cervical/lumbar radiculopathy History of cardio-respiratory disease, thoracic surgery, or ribs fracture fixation surgery \<6 months Bleeding disorder/anticoagulant use, skin infection, hypersensitivity at treatment area Pregnancy, BMI >35.
Other: Instrument assisted soft tissue (IASTM), Transvers oscillatory pressure (TOP)
Other: Instrument assisted soft tissue (IASTM), Transvers oscillatory pressure (TOP) and Directional dynamic cupping
Participants will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Transverse Oscillatory Pressure (TOP) in sitting or prone positions, combined with alternating 10-second resisted isometric trunk flexion-extension contractions. Conventional therapy includes a hot pack for 10 minutes and muscle stretching (10 repetitions, 30-second hold each).
Participants will receive a moist hot pack over the thoracic region for 10-15 minutes, followed by IASTM using the Graston tool for 5-8 minutes. Transverse Oscillatory Pressure (TOP) will be applied for 3-5 minutes per affected segment, according to patient tolerance. Directional Dynamic Cupping will then be performed over the thoracic paraspinal muscles for 5-10 minutes with controlled suction and gliding movements.
Numerical Pain Rating Scale
The 11-point numeric with 0 representing No pain, 1-3 representing Mild Pain (nagging, annoying, interfering little with ADLs), 4-6 representing Moderate Pains (interferes significantly with ADLs), 7-10 representing Sever Pain (disabling, unable to perform ADLs).
Time frame: Baseline , after 2 weeks and 4 weeks post treatment
FUNCTION RATING INDEX
The Functional Rating Index (FRI) consists of 10 items: pain intensity, pain frequency, sleep, personal care, travel, work, leisure activities, lifting, walking, and standing. Two items assess pain characteristics, while eight assess spinal functional limitations in daily activities. Each item is scored from 0 (no pain/full function) to 4 (maximum pain/total disability), with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Time frame: Baseline , after 2 weeks and 4 weeks post treatment
BUBBLE INCLINOMETER
Lumbar range of motion (ROM) will be measured in standing using bubble inclinometers, with S1 and T12 as reference points for flexion and extension, and T12 for lateral flexion. Two inclinometers will assess forward flexion, while one will assess extension and lateral flexion; actual flexion and extension ROM will be calculated by subtracting the lower inclinometer reading from the upper reading.
Time frame: Baseline , after 2 weeks and 4 weeks post treatment
Plan to share: Yes — The result data collected de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
Supporting information: Study protocol, Statistical analysis plan, Informed consent form
Time frame: Six months after the publication of the manuscript.
Access criteria: Data can be requested from the corresponding author.
Start is estimated for Oct 2026; primary completion for Dec 2026, 2 months later.
Of 933 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Back Pain, half reached primary completion within 10 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 5 and three quarters within 24. This study's planned 2 months is below that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 997 studies reached it within 11 months; a quarter within 5 and three quarters within 24.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
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 not yet recruiting, as verified in Oct 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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University of Management and Technology Lahore