Muscle Energy Technique and Foam Roller Self Myofascial Release in Two-wheeler Riders With Chronic Low Back Pain

A Comparative Study of Muscle Energy Technique and Foam Roller Self-myofascial Release for Chronic Low Back Pain in Two-wheeler Riders

Pain in the lower back is a major concern in today's era due to prolonged sitting in two-wheeler riders, mainly due to hamstring tightness. It also creates physical disability and impairment in activities of daily living. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of muscle energy technique (MET) and self-myofascial release (SMFR) using the foam roller on hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance, and physical disability amongst two-wheeler riders with chronic low back pain. Participants were randomized into two intervention groups, MET and SMFR, using the envelope method, with each group having 20 participants. Hamstring flexibility and range of motion for knee extension and the lower back were assessed using the active knee extension test and sit and reach test, the dynamic balance was assessed by the star excursion balance test (SEBT) and physical disability by Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, (RMDQ). Measurements were taken at baseline and after 4-week of intervention. The level of significance value was set at 95% (p <0.05).

The present study proved that both SMFR using the foam roller and MET are effective in improving hamstring muscle flexibility, dynamic balance, and physical disability in two-wheeler riders with chronic low back pain. Thus, either of the two techniques can be used for treating bikers with tight hamstrings causing chronic low back pain. Compared to MET, SMFR using foam rollers was found to be more effective in enhancing hamstring flexibility, improving balance, and decreasing disability levels on the RMDQ after 4 weeks. This study will be aware of the necessity of hamstring stretching and balance training among two-wheeler riders for a prolonged duration on a daily basis and take the initiative to improve their hamstring flexibility and balance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Two-wheeler riders of either gender between the ages of 20 and 40 years,
• Who had ridden at least two hours per day for the previous two years,
• Had musculoskeletal pain in the back for the previous three months, and
• Had a 15-20-degree loss of knee extension when hips were held in 90-degree flexion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women,
• Those with a recent spine or lower limb fracture, recent surgery,
• A previous hamstring injury,
• Lumbar and lower limb neurological deficits, or limb length disparity.