Comparison between Effect of Static Stretching Exercise versus IASTM on Erector Spinae and Lumbar Multifidus in Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study

Background: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a prevalent condition often lacking identifiable pathoanatomical causes. Despite various treatment modalities, limited evidence exists comparing the effects of static stretching and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on muscle-specific outcomes in NSCLBP. Objective: To assess and compare the effects of static stretching exercises and IASTM on pain and spinal flexibility in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain, with a control group receiving core strengthening and hot pack therapy. Methods: A pretest-post-test control group design was employed with 21 participants aged 25–28 years, randomly assigned into three groups: Group A (static stretching), Group B (IASTM), and Group C (control group with core strengthening and hot pack therapy). Interventions were administered thrice weekly for four weeks. Pain intensity and spinal flexibility were measured pre- and post-intervention using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Finger-to-Floor Distance (FFD), respectively. Data were analysed using ANOVA and paired t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: All groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain and flexibility within-group (p < 0.05). However, ANOVA revealed no significant differences between groups post-treatment for either pain or flexibility (p > 0.05). Tukey’s post-hoc analysis indicated that Group C exhibited the greatest reduction in pain, while flexibility improvements were comparable across all groups. Conclusion: Static stretching, IASTM, and core strengthening with hot pack therapy each significantly reduced pain and improved flexibility in patients with NSCLBP. While no statistically significant differences were observed between the interventions, core strengthening combined with hot pack therapy (Group C) showed a greater reduction in pain, suggesting its potential efficacy as a cost-effective treatment option for NSCLBP. Key words: non-specific chronic low back pain; soft tissue mobilization; static stretching; flexibility, range of motion.