EFFICACY OF ACTIVE STRETCHING OVER PASSIVE STRETCHING ON THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME AMONG PATIENTS WITH MECHANICAL LOW BACK PAIN

Introduction: Low back pain has a significant impact on the individual’s family, socio-economic status, occupation, health system, community. Stretching is included as a part of treatment regimen for low back pain. Much controversy exists on the type of stretching technique and parameters which would prove beneficial to improve flexibility. Aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of active stretching over passive stretching, on the functional performance among patients with low back pain. Materials and method: 52 subjects with mechanical low back pains in the age group of 20-50 were enrolled for the study. Flexibility measurement and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index was used as the primary outcome measure. Flexibility of Iliopsoas was measured using the modified Thomas test; Flexibility of Hamstring was measured using the active knee extension test. The subjects underwent 7 days of therapy sessions, after 7 days of therapy the individuals where re-assessed for flexibility and they were asked to fill the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. Results: 52 subjects were enrolled in the study, of which 36 subjects completed the study, among them 18 subjects in the control group and 18 subjects in intervention group. For independent groups paired t-test was used. Using the paired sample t-test significant difference was measured between the pre and post of the intervention group and control groups a significant difference of .001 was achieved in both the groups (P=.001). Discussion: The results of the present study prove that both active and passive stretching is beneficial in improving the flexibility of tight muscles in the lower limbs. Also both active stretching and passive stretching has a profound effect on the functional aspect in patients suffering with low back pain. Conclusion: The result of present study conveys that both active and passive stretch is helpful in improving the flexibility in the major muscle groups of lower extremity. Scope for further studies is open with a larger sample size, homogenous parameters of treatment.