Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
This study aims to determine whether muscle energy technique of the psoas
muscle can be used as an effective treatment for low back pain with lower crossed syndrome
or whether it is better to be used alone or in conjunction with spinal adjustments with regards
to pain and disability, lumbar range of motion and degree of lumbar lordosis. Thirty participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to one of
three different groups of ten participants each. Group 1 had muscle energy technique
performed on the psoas muscle of each participant. Group 2 received spinal adjustment/s
over the restricted joint/s in the lumbar spine. Group 3 received spinal adjustment/s over the
restricted joint/s in the lumbar spine in conjunction with muscle energy technique on the psoas
muscle. All participants were assessed over a four week period. All groups attended six
treatment sessions over three weeks of which muscle energy technique and/or spinal
manipulation was performed. In the fourth week only measurements were taken and no
treatment was administered.Subjective data was collected at the first and fourth consultations prior to
treatment, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale
and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire to assess pain and disability. Objective
data was collected at the first and fourth consultations prior to treatment, as well as on the
seventh consultation by means of a digital inclinometer for assessing active lumbar range of
motion and a flexible ruler for measuring the degree of lumbar lordosis. Analysis of collected
data was performed by a statistician.Statistically significant improvements were seen in Groups 1, 2 and 3 over the
duration of the study with regards to pain, disability and lumbar range of motion as well as
degree of lumbar lordosis. The data gathered in this study showed statistically significant
changes in Groups 1, 2, 3 with regards to lumbar range of motion, lumbar lordosis, pain and
disability, with Group 3 showing the most statistically significant changes with regard to pain
and disability...