Comparative Effects of ELDOA With and Without Muscle Energy Technique on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Disability in Patients with Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Quadratus lumborum syndrome is associated with low back pain, restricted lumbar mobility, and functional limitation. ELDOA and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) are used in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, but evidence regarding their combined effects in this condition remains limited. Objective: To compare the effects of ELDOA combined with MET versus ELDOA combined with conventional physical therapy on pain, lumbar range of motion, and functional disability in patients with quadratus lumborum syndrome. Methods: A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted at Islam Teaching Hospital, Sialkot. The manuscript reports 38 participants aged 18–45 years who received treatment three times weekly for six weeks. Group A received ELDOA plus MET, whereas Group B received ELDOA plus conventional physical therapy. Outcomes included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI), lumbar range of motion, and quadratus lumborum test. Shapiro–Wilk testing demonstrated non-normal distributions; Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied with p<0.05. Results: Post-treatment differences favored Group A for NPRS (mean ranks 13.05 vs. 27.95, p<0.001), MODI (12.65 vs. 28.35, p<0.001), lumbar flexion (26.20 vs. 14.80, p=0.002), lateral rotation (24.23 vs. 16.78, p=0.042), and quadratus lumborum test scores (26.63 vs. 14.38, p=0.001). Lumbar extension also differed significantly from post-treatment (p<0.001), although a significant baseline difference was present (p=0.011). Conclusion: ELDOA combined with MET was associated with more favorable short-term pain, disability, and selected lumbar mobility outcomes than ELDOA combined with conventional physical therapy. Keywords: ELDOA; Muscle Energy Technique; Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome; Low Back Pain; Range of Motion; Functional Disability.