Comparative Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) With or Without Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Pattern in Lumbosacral Dysfunction

Abstract

Lumbosacral dysfunction is a condition affecting the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine, causing back pain, limited range of motion, sensory deficits, and motor impairments. It can be caused by degenerative changes, traumatic injuries, congenital anomalies, or abnormal biomechanics. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effects Muscle Energy Technique (MET) alone and with combination of PNF in treating lumbosacral syndrome. Methods: The study was a quasi-experimental design over the duration of 8 weeks. Purposive sampling was employed with a sample size of 40 patients, divided equally into Group A (N= 20) who received MET combined with PNF and Group B (N= 20) that only received MET. We used Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Numeric Pain Rate Scale (NPRS) and goniometer to assess disability, pain, and range of motion (ROM). We analyzed the data using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Results: Outcome measures including pain intensity, functional disability, and range of motion, were assessed at baseline and post-intervention (8 weeks). The group A showed significant improvements in all outcome measures compared to the group B at post-intervention assessments (p < 0.05), pain intensity decreased by 60-80%. Functional disability scores were reduced by 60-75% in the group A, while the group B showed only 40% significant change. Moreover, the group A exhibited a substantial increase in lumbosacral range of motion compared to the group B. Conclusions: The study reveals that both MET alone and MET combined with PNF effectively improve pain, functional disability, and lumbar range of motion in lumbosacral dysfunction patients.