Comparison of Bowen's Technique and Muscle Energy Technique on Hamstrings Tightness in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background of the study: Nonspecific low back pain (LBP) is frequently associated with hamstring tightness, which contributes to altered lumbo-pelvic rhythm and increased spinal stress. This study compared the effectiveness of Bowen's Technique versus Muscle Energy Technique on hamstring flexibility in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi and Al-Ain Hospital, Wah Cantt, Pakistan. Twenty-four patients aged 18-35 years with chronic nonspecific low back pain and hamstring tightness were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A received Muscle Energy Technique (n=12) and Group B received Bowen's Technique (n=12). Both groups received 12 treatment sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions weekly). Outcome measures included Active Straight Leg Raise test (ASLR), Active Knee Extension test (AKET), Sit and Reach test, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Data analysis SPSS 21. Results: MANCOVA analysis revealed significant between-group differences on all variables after controlling for age as covariate, F (6, 16) = 9.55, p<0.001, Wilks' Λ = 0.218, partial η² = 0.782. Conclusion: Bowen's Technique was significantly more effective than Muscle Energy Technique in improving hamstring flexibility in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.