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The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to determine the effect of a psoas major muscle intervention on non-specific and chronic lumbar pain in cleaning professionals. It is expected that this intervention will reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the effect of psoas major stretching techniques. To collect data, participants will rate their pain intensity on a numeric pain scale at rest and during maximal lumbar flexion. Secondary variables include lumbar flexion range of motion (ROM), assessed by the Schöber test, and hip ROM, which will be measured before and after the intervention using a digital goniometer.
Cleaning professionals are particularly vulnerable to musculoskeletal pain, predominantly low back pain due to intense occupational hazards like repetitive movements, heavy lifting in awkward postures, and prolonged standing. The psoas major muscle plays a critical role in this clinical context; morphological changes, such as muscle atrophy and fat infiltration, are commonly observed in low back pain patients. Furthermore, a shortened or asymmetrical psoas alters spinal biomechanics-often increasing lumbar lordosis and overloading facet joints-which strongly predisposes individuals to chronic pain and instability. Furthermore, a shortened or asymmetrical psoas alters spinal biomechanics-often increasing lumbar lordosis and overloading facet joints-which strongly predisposes individuals to chronic pain and instability.
This study aims to highlight the biomechanical importance of the iliopsoas muscle and evaluate the therapeutic impact of the stretching technique in reducing symptoms, improving mobility, and preventing functional limitations associated with iliopsoas dysfunction.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental group | Experimental | Psoas major stretching |
|
| Control group | Placebo Comparator |
|
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psoas stretching technique | Other | The patient is positioned supine at the edge of the table. The investigator places their hands on both of the participant's knees, applying gentle downward pressure on the ipsilateral knee to stretch the psoas major muscle. This stretch is held for 30 seconds and performed bilaterally (once on each side) to the experimental group. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Low Back Pain Intensity at Rest Assessed Using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS, 0-10) | Low back pain intensity at rest will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), a self-reported scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst imaginable pain." Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity and therefore a worse outcome. | Baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Lumbar Range of Motion Assessed Using the Schober Test | Lumbar range of motion (ROM) will be assessed using the Schober Test at rest and during anterior lumbar flexion. The test measures lumbar spine mobility by quantifying the increase in distance between predefined anatomical landmarks during trunk flexion. Higher values indicate greater lumbar mobility and therefore a better outcome. | Baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention. |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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| Name | Role | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natália MO Campelo, PhD | Contact | +351 222 061 000 | nmc@ess.ipp.pt |
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Natália MO Campelo | ESS | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escola Superior de Saúde do Porto | Porto | 4200-072 | Portugal |
| PubMed Identifier | Type | Citation | Retractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31475359 | Background | Pourahmadi M, Asadi M, Dommerholt J, Yeganeh A. Changes in the macroscopic morphology of hip muscles in low back pain. J Anat. 2020 Jan;236(1):3-20. doi: 10.1111/joa.13086. Epub 2019 Sep 1. | |
| Background | Abdol Rahman, M. N., Muhamad Jaffar, M. S., Hassan, M. F., Ngali, M. Z., & Pauline, O. Exposure level of ergonomic risk factors in hotel industries. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 2017. 226, 012018. | ||
| 16777886 |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D017116 | Low Back Pain |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D001416 | Back Pain |
| D010146 | Pain |
| D009461 | Neurologic Manifestations |
| D012816 | Signs and Symptoms |
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All evaluations will be conducted by an independent, blinded assessor who is not involved in administering the interventions. First, participants will complete a screening questionnaire to confirm they meet all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline measurements will then be recorded, including pain intensity at rest and during maximal lumbar flexion, as well as lumbar mobility via the Schöber test. Following the initial assessment, the blinded assessor will leave the room, and a separate investigator will administer the assigned intervention. Afterward, the blinded assessor will return to conduct the post-intervention assessment using the same protocols. Participants will be blinded to their group allocation, ensuring a participant- and assessor-blinded study design.
|
| Placebo | Other | Patient is positioned supine at the edge of the table. The investigator places one hand on the participant's ipsilateral knee without applying any pressure or force, and the other hand on the contralateral knee for stabilization. This position is maintained for 30 seconds to match the duration of the experimental intervention. The technique was performed bilaterally (once on each side) to the control group. |
|
| Hip Flexion Range of Motion Assessed Using a Digital Goniometer | Hip flexion range of motion (ROM) will be assessed with the participant in the supine position using a digital goniometer. Measurements will be recorded in degrees (°). Higher values indicate greater hip flexion mobility and therefore a better outcome. | Baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention. |
| Background |
| Koes BW, van Tulder MW, Thomas S. Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain. BMJ. 2006 Jun 17;332(7555):1430-4. doi: 10.1136/bmj.332.7555.1430. No abstract available. |
| 33455921 | Background | Badarin K, Hemmingsson T, Hillert L, Kjellberg K. Physical workload and increased frequency of musculoskeletal pain: a cohort study of employed men and women with baseline occasional pain. Occup Environ Med. 2021 Jan 17;78(8):558-66. doi: 10.1136/oemed-2020-107094. Online ahead of print. |
| 38947493 | Background | Mallio CA, Russo F, Vadala G, Papalia R, Pileri M, Mancuso V, Bernetti C, Volpecina M, Di Gennaro G, Beomonte Zobel B, Denaro V. The importance of psoas muscle on low back pain: a single-center study on lumbar spine MRI. N Am Spine Soc J. 2024 May 1;18:100326. doi: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2024.100326. eCollection 2024 Jun. |
| 15727981 | Background | Scherzer T, Rugulies R, Krause N. Work-related pain and injury and barriers to workers' compensation among Las Vegas hotel room cleaners. Am J Public Health. 2005 Mar;95(3):483-8. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2003.033266. |
| D013568 |
| Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms |