Compare the Effects of Bowen Technique and Muscle Energy Technique on Hamstrings Tightness in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of the global population, leading to decreased quality of life and increased healthcare utilization. Previous research has identified manual therapies, such as the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and the Bowen Technique, as potential interventions for reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with CLBP. These techniques focus on reducing muscular tightness and improving flexibility, which are often implicated in the etiology of low back pain. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the MET and the Bowen Technique on hamstring tightness and pain reduction in patients with CLBP. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 62 participants with CLBP, who were divided into two groups to receive either the MET or the Bowen Technique. The interventions were administered over an 8-week period, with sessions occurring three times per week. Outcome measures included hamstring flexibility (measured by the Active Knee Extension Test), pain intensity (measured by the Visual Analogue Scale), and functional disability (measured by the Oswestry Disability Index). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-tests. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all measured outcomes. Participants in the MET group demonstrated a greater reduction in pain intensity from baseline to 8 weeks (5.5161±1.20750 to 1.4839±1.15097, P<0.000) compared to the Bowen Technique group (7.2258±0.88354 to 0.2581±0.51431, P<0.000). Similarly, hamstring flexibility and functional disability scores improved significantly in both groups, with the MET group showing slightly more substantial improvements in functional disability. Conclusion: The study concluded that both the MET and the Bowen Technique are effective interventions for reducing pain and improving hamstring flexibility in patients with CLBP. However, the MET showed a slight advantage in improving functional disability outcomes.