Myofascial Trigger Point Release and Paced Breathing Training for Chronic Low Back Pain

Myofascial Trigger Point Release and Paced Breathing Training for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A study to explore whether two different treatment approaches, myofascial trigger point release and core stabilization exercises, both with and without additional paced breathing training, can help patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and whether one of the two treatments is superior.

This is a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of myofascial trigger point release therapy compared to core stabilization exercises, both with and without additional paced breathing training, on patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). The main focus is on changes in pain severity, anxiety and depression, heart rate variability, and use of analgesic medication. Outcomes are measured at baseline (pre-intervention), after ten treatments (post-intervention), at three- and at six-month follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Written informed consent
• Age between 20 and 70 years
• LBP at least once a week during the last three months
• Pain intensity rated at least 4 on an 11-point scale (0=no pain, 10=worst pain imaginable)
• Muscular pain during flexion, extension and lateral flexion

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute hernia
• Acute local or generalized inflammation
• Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, hemiplegia
• Fibromyalgia
• Radicular symptoms (Lasègue's sign, weakness of foot dorsiflexion muscle, needles or tingling in the legs)
• Paraspinal tumors or metastases
• Cancer under chemo- or radio-surgical treatment or requiring such during the next 12 months
• Leg prostheses
• Rheumatic, cardiovascular or chronic pulmonary condition precluding 45-minute physical therapy (contraindication declared by a physician)
• Severe depression or severe anxiety currently requiring psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy
• Suicidal tendencies
• Drug abuse or addiction
• Pregnancy existing or planned during the study period