EFFECTS OF MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE AND POSTURAL CORRECTION EXERCISES IN LORDOTIC FEMALES WEARING HIGH HEELS; A QUASI EXPERIMENTAL TRIAL

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain is one of the most common ailments for which patients seek physiotherapy treatment. Pelvic tilting becomes evident when the mechanical causes of low back pain are identified. In such cases, the iliopsoas muscle plays a crucial role in managing LBP. Since it is often contracted, stretching the muscle can help alleviate the condition. There is a correlation between lumbar lordosis and pelvic inclination in females who wear high-heeled shoes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Postural Correction Exercises on low back pain in females wearing high heels.

Material & Methods: A total of 28 females, aged 18–45 years, who wore high-heeled shoes for six hours per day and presented with low back pain and an increased lumbosacral angle without radiating symptoms, were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the treatment group received Muscle Energy Techniques (METs), while those in the control group performed posture correction exercises. Functional disability and pain were assessed using the Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and the Pain Numeric Rating Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16.0. An independent t-test was used to compare changes between groups, while a paired t-test was used to assess changes within each group.

Results: There was no significant difference at baseline (p > 0.05), indicating that both groups were homogeneous at the time of recruitment. However, the post-treatment p-value (p < 0.05) showed a significant reduction in pain and disability levels in patients treated with MET. Additionally, lumbar range of motion (ROM) demonstrated statistically significant improvement in pelvic tilt angle, flexion, and extension in the MET group (p < 0.05), while both groups showed significant improvements in side-flexion and rotation ROM (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: MET is more effective in treating lordotic posture. Patients in the MET group experienced greater reductions in pain and disability, along with improved range of motion, compared to those performing postural correction exercises.