Effects of Post Isometric Relaxation in Patients With Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome

Effects of Post Isometric Relaxation on Pain, Muscle Endurance and Disability in Patients With Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome

The most common musculoskeletal problem in both developed and developing countries is low back pain. Quadratus lumborum syndrome is a common source of low back pain, defined as a myofascial pain syndrome characterized by pain due to spasm and stiffness of the quadratus lumborum muscle. This condition often occurs when weak back muscles are compensated by the quadratus lumborum, leading to painful muscle spasms. This study aims to determine the effects of PIR on pain, muscle endurance, and disability in patients with Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome.

This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Ittefaq Hospital Lahore over a 4-month period. A sample size of 32 participants, aged 20 to 45 will be selected using non-probability convenient sampling. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Participants will be divided into two groups: Group A will receive Post-Isometric Relaxation in addition to standard physical therapy, while Group B will receive only standard physical therapy which includes a hot pack, TENS, core stability exercises and Maitland's mobilization. Outcome measures including the Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), McGill's torso muscular endurance test, Oswestry disability index (ODI) urdu version and Lateral flexion test for mobility will be assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks. Inclusion criteria include positive hip hike and lateral flexion tests, lumbar pain with an NPRS score of >3 to ≤7, and an ODI score of ≥5 to ≤24. Exclusion criteria include chronic pain, spondylolisthesis and previous spinal surgeries. Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS 25.0.

Inclusion Criteria:

• • Age group between 20 and 45 years (2)

  • Both gender male and female
  • Positive Hip hike test
  • Positive Lateral flexion test (14)
  • Positive McGill endurance test

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Patients will be excluded if they are diagnosed with the following conditions;

  • Radiating pain
  • Paresthesia
  • Numbness into buttocks or lower extremity
  • Patients having low back pain of more than 12 weeks of duration (chronic)
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spondylosis
  • Lumbar disc herniation