NCT07165249: LBP

PRT vs MET in Non-Specific Low Back Pain With Facet Restriction

Completed NA Last updated 10 September 2025

What this trial tests

NA trial testing Positional release technique (PRT) in Non Specific Low Back Pain in 36 participants. Completed in 20 July 2024.

Timeline

2 September 2023

Primary endpoint
15 May 2024

20 July 2024

Quick facts

Lead sponsor	Palestine Ahliya University
Phase	NA
Status	Completed
Study type	INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation	randomized
Design	parallel
Masking	none
Primary purpose	treatment
Enrollment	36
Start date	2 September 2023
Primary completion	15 May 2024
Estimated completion	20 July 2024
Sites	1 location across Palestinian Territories

Drugs / interventions tested

• Positional release technique (PRT)
• Muscle energy technique

Conditions studied

• Non Specific Low Back Pain — all drugs for Non Specific Low Back Pain →
• Muscle Energy Technique — all drugs for Muscle Energy Technique →

Sponsor

Palestine Ahliya University

Who can join

Adults 25 to 50, any sex, with Non Specific Low Back Pain or Muscle Energy Technique. Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Sponsor's own description

Objective:The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in reducing pain and improving outcomes for patients suffering from non-specific low back pain (NSLBP).

Materials and Methods: Thirty-six patients between the ages of 25 and 50, all referred by an orthopedic surgeon for treatment of non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups (n=18 per group) using a computer-generated randomization sequence. However, details regarding allocation concealment and blinding of participants or assessors were not specified, which may influence the risk of bias. Group A received Positional Release Technique (PRT), while Group B received Muscle Energy Technique (MET). Prior to each treatment session, both groups received a standardized 15-minute hot pack application as a co-intervention to promote muscle relaxation and ensure consistency across interventions. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and functional outcomes were measured with the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ). Participants in both groups attended three physiotherapy sessions per week over a four-week treatment period.

Publications & conference data

1 peer-reviewed publication reference this trial (live from Europe PMC):

1. Positional Release Technique Versus Muscle Energy Technique for Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain With Facet Joint Restriction: A Pilot Randomized Comparative Study.
   Alarab A, Daoud R, Hegazy MM. · · 2026 · PMID 41873799 · DOI 10.1155/prm/9964889