Effect of Two Osteopathic Techniques on Thickness of Paravertebral Muscles of the Lumbar Spine

Effect of Two Osteopathic Techniques on Thickness of Paravertebral Muscles of the Lumbar Spine: Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to describe the effect of two osteopathic techniques - "high velocity, low amplitude" (HVLA) and muscle energy (ME) - on thickness, activation, strength, pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the paravertebral muscles at the lumbar spine, as well as the peak plantar pressures immediately and after a two-day follow-up.

The muscle thickness of the paravertebral muscles at the lumbar spine, namely internal oblique, external oblique and transversus abdominis can be altered after the application of 'high-velocity low-amplitude'(HVLA)and 'muscle energy' (ME)techniques immediately and after a two-day follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least one episode of low back pain over the last three months; confirmation of lumbar spine dysfunction by an experienced osteopath; age between 18 and 40 years; do not have performed physical stress activities over the last 24 hours; do not be physically active (physical activity for at least three times a week); fulfill the orientations to the follow-up assessment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of surgery, fracture or fixation on the lumbar spine and/or the pelvis; being pregnant; signs of radiculopathy; disc herniation at the lumbar spine; degenerative process at the lumbar spine; have received any kind of manipulative treatments over the past four weeks;