Effectiveness Of Strengthening And Stretching Of Shortened Quadratus Lumborum On Non-specific Low Back Pain Among Physiotherapy Students
Author(s): Dr. Siddhi Pradeep Pawar, Dr. Ruchi Chamle, Dr. Anisha Johar
Authors Affiliations:
1. Student, Physiotherapy, MUHS Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India
2. Professor, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, MUHS Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India.
3.Professor, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, MUHS Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India
DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202609009 | Paper ID: IJRCS202609009
Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a widespread musculoskeletal condition commonly linked to functional impairments and muscular imbalance, particularly tightness of the quadratus lumborum (QL), a key stabilizer of the lumbar spine. QL shortening can restrict side-flexion, alter lumbopelvic mechanics, and contribute to persistent pain and disability. To address such dysfunction, clinicians frequently use Muscle Energy Technique (MET), which aims to improve muscle extensibility through controlled isometric contractions, and lumbar extension exercises, which enhance spinal mobility, strengthen supporting musculature, and restore functional alignment. Although both interventions are widely practiced, limited evidence directly compares their effectiveness specifically in individuals with NSLBP and QL tightness. Understanding which approach yields superior early improvements in pain, disability, and lumbar mobility is essential for guiding clinical decision-making. Therefore, this study investigates the short-term effects of QL-targeted MET versus lumbar extension exercises in individuals with shortened QL and NSLBP.
Objective: To compare the immediate and short-term effects of MET applied to the QL muscle versus lumbar extension exercises on pain, disability, and lumbar mobility in individuals with shortened QL and NSLBP.
Methods: A total of 42 participants with NSLBP were randomly divided into two groups (n = 21 each). Group A received MET for the QL with core stability warm-up, while Group B performed lumbar extension exercises with core stability warm-up. Both intervention was performed for 2 weeks. The Outcome measures included Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ), Finger-to-Floor Test (FTFT), and Modified Schober’s Test, assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in pain, disability, and lumbar ROM after 2 weeks. However, the MET-QL group demonstrated greater reductions in NPRS and MODQ scores and more improvement in side-flexion ROM, suggesting superior early benefits. No dropouts occurred during the study.
Conclusion: MET applied to the quadratus lumborum was more effective than lumbar extension exercises in reducing pain and disability and improving lumbar mobility in individuals with NSLBP over a 2-week period. Combining MET with core stabilization may produce optimal outcomes. Further studies with larger samples and long-term follow-up are recommended.
Dr. Siddhi Pradeep Pawar, Dr. Ruchi Chamle, Dr. Anisha Johar (2026); Effectiveness Of Strengthening And Stretching Of Shortened Quadratus Lumborum On Non-specific Low Back Pain Among Physiotherapy Students, International Journal of Research Culture Society, ISSN(O): 2456-6683, Volume – 10, Issue – 9, Available on – https://ijrcs.org/
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