Immediate effect of hold-relax stretching of iliopsoas muscle on transversus abdominis muscle activation in chronic non-specific low back pain with lumbar hyperlordosis

Objective: To determine the immediate effect of hold-relax (HR) stretching of the iliopsoas muscle on pain, transversus abdominis (TrA) activation capacity, lumbar stability level, lumbar lordosis angle and iliopsoas muscle length in chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) with lumbar hyperlordosis. Material and Method: Participants aged from 30-55 years with CNSLBP with lumbar hyperlordosis were divided in two groups: Group 1) Intervention group received 10-second isometric contraction of the iliopsoas muscle (HR), 10-second rest, 20-second static stretch, 5 repetitions. Group 2) control group received 15 minutes resting in supine lying. The visual analog scale, prone test with the pressure biofeedback unit, modified isometric stability test, a flexible ruler and modified Thomas test were used for pre- and post-test. Two-way ANOVA was used for within and between-group comparisons. Results: The present study consisted of 20 participants. Significant differences were found in pain, TrA activation capacity, lumbar lordosis angle and iliopsoas muscle length between intervention and control groups and between pre- and post-test for intervention group (p<0.05). Lumbar stability level showed no significant difference in within and between-group comparisons. Conclusion: The HR of the iliopsoas muscle reduced pain and lumbar lordosis angle, enhanced TrA activation, and increased length of hip flexor in CNSLBP with lumbar hyperlordosis.