Effects of myofascial release and joint mobilisation therapy on flexibility using the sit-and-reach test in non-specific low back pain

Introduction Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) impairs mobility and everyday activities. This study compared the effects of myofascial release (MFR), joint mobilisation (JM) and their combination, on flexibility of the superficial back line, as assessed by the sit-and-reach test in patients with NSLBP. Material and methods A single-blind, randomised, controlled trial was conducted with 84 patients with NSLBP, divided into three groups: Group A received JM (Grades III–IV), Group B received MFR on the thoracolumbar fascia and Group C received a combination of both. Outcomes were measured at baseline, days 1, 4, 8 and 12 after treatment, and at the end of 4 weeks. Flexibility of the lower back and the lower limbs was measured using the sit-and-reach test. Results The sit-and-reach test scores improved over time for all groups, with the JM + MFR group showing more improvement compared with the JM and MFR groups alone. There was a significant group effect ( p < 0.001) and a significant time × group interaction effect ( p < 0.001), indicating that the combination of interventions resulted in greater and more reliable flexibility improvements than either intervention alone. Conclusions Both MFR and JM were effective at improving flexibility in patients with NSLBP; however, their combination resulted in better and more persistent improvements. The results of this study support the use of a multimodal manual therapy approach for treating flexibility impairments in patients with NSLBP.