This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of Positional Release Technique (PRT) in managing low back pain (LBP) across all types and durations. The study analyzed 18 randomized controlled trials involving 918 participants. The evidence was categorized by comparisons such as PRT alone, PRT combined with other treatments (e.g., conventional physiotherapy), and PRT versus other manual therapy techniques. Findings showed:
- PRT + Conventional Physiotherapy (CPT) was more effective than CPT alone in reducing pain and improving activity limitation and lumbar extension range of motion.
- PRT alone was generally less effective than other treatments like muscle energy technique (MET) and deep transverse friction massage.
- Evidence supporting PRT’s efficacy was of very low to low certainty due to high risk of bias, small sample sizes, and limited follow-up durations in the included studies.
Clinical and Research Implications
While the review highlights the potential benefits of PRT when used in combination with other modalities, its utility as a standalone treatment for LBP remains uncertain.
- Clinicians are advised to use PRT in conjunction with other interventions for improved outcomes.
- Future research should focus on high-quality RCTs with better methodology, larger sample sizes, longer follow-ups, and the use of standardized PRT protocols.
- There is a call for real-world, integrative study designs to reflect actual clinical practice, addressing the current gap in protocol consistency and ecological validity.