Mini Systematic Review: JRCRS. 2026:14(2): 62-70
2-Trends in Physical Therapy Management for Low Back Pain: A Mini Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Madiha Anees1, Memoona Bibi2, Huma Balqias3, Iqra Hasib4, Ayesha Khan5, Nimra khan6, Najam ul Haque7, Sunny Answer8
1 2 Assistant Professor, Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan
3 Junior Lecturer, Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan
4-8 Student, Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan
Read Full-Text Full-Text PDF DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.53389/JRCRS.2026140202
ABSTRACT:
Background: Background: Low back pain usually presents below the costal margins and above the inferior gluteal folds i.e., between the 12th rib and the gluteal folds. Globally it has become the leading cause of disability. The lifetime Prevalence of LBP episode varies from 60% to 90%. Many physical therapy treatment options are available for low back pain treatment.
Objective: This mini systemic review study is conducted on trends of physical therapy management in low back pain. In this study the clinical trials and investigative interventions are excluded. Data from different databases was collected to find the management of lower back through exercise.
Methodology: A systematic review was conducted that included 8 databases i-e CINAHL, MEDLINE, PEDro, PubMed, PakMediNet, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science. Only those RCTs were included in the study that had a minimum score of 6 or above on the PEDro Scale. The articles between the years 2015 to 2025 were included. The search strategy included both key terms and MeSh terms.
Results: A total of 10 studies were included in the systematic review were falling under the inclusion criteria. 4 studies compared different modes of exercise intensities, loads and resistance training. 2 studies compared the effects of manual therapy, one study focused on trunk muscle exercises, one study evaluated the effect of sensorimotor training, and two studies added ankle dorsiflexion and hip strengthening exercises. Out of which 9 studies resulted in 40% to 63% with effect size of 0.4028 reduction in pain and one study resulted in no positive effect on LBP.
Conclusion: The review concludes that physical therapy interventions such as core strengthening with ankle dorsiflexion, hip and trunk exercises, active exercises, manual and massage therapy, and high-load or high-intensity training are effective for managing acute and chronic low back pain, whereas sensorimotor training showed no benefit.
Keywords: Low back pain, Manual therapy, Physical therapy modalities, Musculoskeletal manipulation