Effects of Muscle Energy Technique and Pilates Exercises on Pain and Physical Function in Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Background: Non-specific low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that restricts movement and impairs quality of life. Muscle energy techniques and Pilates exercises are established interventions designed to relieve pain, enhance muscle performance, and promote physical stability. These approaches provide non-invasive solutions by improving mobility and reducing discomfort. Objective: To determine the effects of the muscle energy techniques and pilates exercises on pain and physical function in patients with non-specific low back pain. Methodology: This single-blind randomized controlled trial included 60 participants recruited from the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A received muscle energy techniques, while Group B performed pilates exercises over six weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire at baseline, 3rd, and 6th week. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages and displayed using bar charts and pie charts. Between-group comparisons were performed using the independent samples t-test, while within-group changes were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The mean age of participants was 35.42 ± 9.14 years in Group A and 38.11 ± 8.41 years in Group B. Between-group analysis post-intervention revealed significantly greater improvements in Group B for pain reduction (4.04±1.3 vs. 4.81±0.48, p=0.001) and physical function (7.58±3.16 vs. 9.31±2.68, p<0.001). Within-group comparisons showed both groups achieved statistically significant reductions in pain and improvements in physical function (p<0.05). Group A improved from a pain score of 7.39±0.74 to 4.81±0.48 and function 14.31±2.68 to 9.31±2.68. Group B showed larger improvements from NPRS 7.49±1.31 to 4.04±1.30 and RMDQ 14.03±3.33 to 7.58±3.16. Conclusion: Pilates exercises were more effective than muscle energy techniques in reducing pain and enhancing physical function in patients with non-specific low back pain. These findings support the use of pilates as a preferred non-invasive intervention for managing low back pain and improving functional outcomes.