Effect of Tui-Na versus positional release techniques on pregnancy-related low back pain in the third-trimester: A randomized comparative trial

Abstract

Background: Researchers are prioritizing the development of an effective treatment approach for third-trimester pregnancy-related low back pain (LBP), a prevalent and costly disorder. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of Tui-Na (TN) versus positional release techniques (PRT) on third trimester pregnancy-related LBP. Methods: Fifty pregnant women in their third trimester with low back pain were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups for 4 weeks of prescribed treatment (TN or PRT). The primary outcome was LBP intensity. Secondary outcomes included the Oswestry disability index for back disability and the pressure pain threshold of lumbar tender points. Two-way multivariate analysis of variance was used for the data analysis. Results: Multivariate tests indicated statistically significant effects of group (F = 10.062, P < .001, partial η 2 = 0.302), time (F = 473.5, P < .001, partial η 2 = 0.953), and group-by-time interactions (F = 4.045, P < .001, partial η 2 = 0.148). However, the TN group, when compared to the PRT group, revealed a significant decrease in back disability (P < .001, partial η 2 = 0.124) and a significant increase in pressure pain threshold at the Rt and Lt points (P = .02 and .001, partial η 2 = 0.055, and 0.108, respectively). Within-group comparisons were significant for all measured variables in both the groups (P < .001). Conclusion: Although both TN and PRT are beneficial treatments for third trimester pregnancy-related LBP, TN leads to more beneficial outcomes.