What this study is
This randomized controlled study will compare the effects of ischemic compression combined with exercise, low-level laser therapy combined with exercise, and sham low-level laser therapy combined with exercise in adults with subacute or chronic myofascial low back pain. Participants will be assigned to one of three treatment groups. Outcomes will include pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and disability measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and at a 1-month follow-up.
What's being tested
- Ischemic Compression
Intervention · OTHER
Ischemic compression will be applied to identified myofascial trigger points in the lumbar region in combination with the prescribed exercise program.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy
Intervention · DEVICE
Low-level laser therapy will be applied to identified myofascial trigger points in the lumbar region in combination with the exercise program according to the study protocol.
- Exercise Program
Intervention · OTHER
Participants will perform a standardized therapeutic exercise program designed to improve lumbar mobility, flexibility, strength, and functional performance according to the study protocol.
- Sham Low-Level Laser Therapy
Intervention · DEVICE
The laser probe will be applied to identified lumbar myofascial trigger points in the same manner and for the same duration as active low-level laser therapy, but with the laser power deactivated and no laser energy delivered.
Study details
- Official title
- Effects of Ischemic Compression and Low-Level Laser Therapy in Combination With Exercise Versus Exercise Alone in Managing Myofascial Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study
- Sponsor
- Nova Southeastern University
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain · Myofascial Pain Syndromes
- Enrolling
- 45 people
- Starts
- 2026-09
- Est. completion
- 2027-04
- Design
- Single-blind, randomized, parallel groups
- Record
- View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Who can join
Age 18 Years – 80 YearsSex ALLHealthy volunteers Not acceptedYou may qualify if
- Adults aged 18-80 years
- Diagnosis of myofascial low back pain
- Presence of active myofascial trigger point(s) in the lumbar region
- Ability to understand and follow study procedures
- Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent
You can't join if
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Photosensitivity or known sensitivity to light-based therapy
- Pacemaker use
- Malignancy or suspected malignancy, particularly in the treatment area
- Skin lesions, active infection, or open wounds in the lumbar treatment area
- History of lumbar spine surgery or spinal fracture
- Neurological disorders that may affect study participation or outcome assessment
- Serious systemic disease that may interfere with participation or treatment safety
- Current physical therapy treatment for low back pain
- Corticosteroid injection within the previous 3 months
- Any contraindication to low-level laser therapy or ischemic compression
Sign in and we'll check these against your records.Full criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Study locations (1)
1 openAttia Rehabilitation Pt Pc
Brooklyn, New York, United States
- KHALID G ATTIA, PT, DPT · Contact347-374-3371KHALIDATTIA2017@GMAIL.COM
- KHALID G ATTIA, PT, DPT · Principal investigator
Study team
Sponsor
Nova Southeastern University
Study ID 2026-403-NSU
Study chair
Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez, PT, DPT, PhD
Nova Southeastern University
Frequently asked questions
The sponsor hasn't published answers to common questions for this trial.