Effect of Two Osteopathic Techniques on Thickness of Paravertebral Muscles of the Lumbar Spine
Effect of Two Osteopathic Techniques on Thickness of Paravertebral Muscles of the Lumbar Spine
The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to describe the effect of two
 osteopathic techniques - "high velocity, low amplitude" (HVLA) and muscle energy (ME) - on
 thickness, activation, strength, pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the paravertebral muscles
 at the lumbar spine, as well as the peak plantar pressures immediately and after a two-day
 follow-up.

 The muscle thickness of the paravertebral muscles at the lumbar spine, namely internal
 oblique, external oblique and transversus abdominis can be altered after the application of
 'high-velocity low-amplitude'(HVLA)and 'muscle energy' (ME)techniques immediately and after a
 two-day follow-up.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  At least one episode of low back pain over the last three months; confirmation of
 lumbar spine dysfunction by an experienced osteopath; age between 18 and 40 years; do
 not have performed physical stress activities over the last 24 hours; do not be
 physically active (physical activity for at least three times a week); fulfill the
 orientations to the follow-up assessment.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  History of surgery, fracture or fixation on the lumbar spine and/or the pelvis; being
 pregnant; signs of radiculopathy; disc herniation at the lumbar spine; degenerative
 process at the lumbar spine; have received any kind of manipulative treatments over
 the past four weeks;