Comparing Muscle Energy Technique and Kaltenborn-Evjenth Orthopaedic Manual Therapy: A Study on Effectiveness in Treating Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition globally, affecting quality of life and work efficiency. Traditional treatment methods often fall short in providing long-term relief, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Kaltenborn-Evjenth Orthopedic Manual Therapy (KEOMT) against conventional treatment methods in reducing pain and improving mobility in patients with CLBP. Methods: This randomized control trial involved 120 patients with CLBP from Sargodha, who were divided into three groups: Control Group (conventional treatment), Group A (MET), and Group B (KEOMT). All treatments were administered over a period of six months, with interventions carried out for four weeks totaling 12 sessions. Baseline and post-intervention measurements included pain scale (VAS), Flexion and Extension Range of Motion (ROM) using a Goniometer, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and SPSS version 25. Results: All groups showed significant improvements post-treatment. The Control Group's pain scale decreased from 6.63 ± 0.925 to 4.68 ± 1.206, Group A from 6.70 ± 0.939 to 2.75 ± 0.899, and Group B from 6.77 ± 0.891 to 3.00 ± 1.038. Flexion ROM increased in the Control Group from 40.80 ± 3.023 to 42.10 ± 3.003, in Group A from 40.78 ± 2.684 to 44.97 ± 1.804, and in Group B from 40.53 ± 2.746 to 44.90 ± 1.751. Similar trends were observed in Extension ROM and ODI scores. The improvements in Groups A and B were significantly greater than in the Control Group (P=0.00). Conclusion: Both MET and KEOMT were found to be more effective than conventional treatment in reducing pain and improving ROM in patients with CLBP. These findings suggest that MET and KEOMT could be incorporated as part of the standard physical therapy regimen for CLBP, offering potentially more effective and lasting relief.