Comparative Effects of Muscle Energy Technique and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching in the Management of Lower Cross Syndrome

MET vs PNF in Lower Cross Syndrome

Authors

  • Atif Ali Attar Bhitai Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mirpurkhas, Pakistan
  • Ifra Maryam University of Modern Sciences (Indus Medical College Hospital), Hyderabad, Pakistan
  • Mariam Mehmood Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6897-7446
  • Rabel Chang University of Modern Sciences (Indus Medical College Hospital), Hyderabad, Pakistan
  • Rida Fatima Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
  • Azka Laraib Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
  • Nida Naz MARS Institute of Health Sciences for Women, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Fiza Rehman Johar Medicare, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Intsam Aslam PSRD College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1524

Keywords:

Lower Cross Syndrome, Muscle Energy Technique, PNF Stretching, Lumbar Hyperlordosis, Post-Isometric Relaxation, Back Pain, Physical Therapy

Abstract

Background: Lower Cross Syndrome (LCS) results from muscle imbalance due to poor posture, causing tightness in lumbar and hip flexor muscles alongside weakness in abdominal and gluteal muscles. It leads to lumbar hyperlordosis, chronic low back pain, and functional disability.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching in the management of LCS.
Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 60 participants, aged 18-45, diagnosed with LCS. Participants were divided into two groups: METs (n=30) and PNF stretching (n=30). Interventions were performed thrice a week for four weeks. Outcome measures included pain (NPRS), disability (Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire), hip extension range (goniometer), and anterior pelvic tilt. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25, with non-parametric tests due to non-normal data distribution (p<0.05).
Results: The METs group showed greater improvement in post-treatment Oswestry scores (mean rank 19.30, p<0.001) and NPRS (mean rank 16.53, p<0.001), compared to the PNF group. Hip extension range and anterior pelvic tilt also improved significantly in the METs group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: METs were more effective than PNF stretching in managing LCS, significantly reducing pain and disability while improving range of motion.

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References

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Published

2024-09-26

How to Cite

Atif Ali Attar, Ifra Maryam, Mariam Mehmood, Rabel Chang, Rida Fatima, Azka Laraib, Nida Naz, Fiza Rehman, & Aslam, I. (2024). Comparative Effects of Muscle Energy Technique and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching in the Management of Lower Cross Syndrome: MET vs PNF in Lower Cross Syndrome. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1524

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): Volume 4, Issue 3 - July to September 2024

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Atif Ali Attar, Ifra Maryam, Mariam Mehmood, Rabel Chang, Rida Fatima, Azka Laraib, Nida Naz, Fiza Rehman, Intsam Aslam

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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