Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and muscle energy technique (MET) are both neuromuscular techniques, meaning they use gentle, guided muscle contractions and relaxation to improve movement and reduce tension. This study compared the two directly in people with low back pain associated with an increased lumbar curve, known as lumbar hyperlordosis.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either PNF or MET applied to the hip flexor muscles, which can pull on the lower back when tight. The researchers measured pain using a numerical rating scale and assessed hip range of movement.
Tight hip flexors can contribute to low back pain by increasing the arch of the lower back. Comparing two neuromuscular techniques head to head helps clinicians choose an approach with confidence.
One group received PNF and the other received MET, both applied to the hip flexors using gentle, guided contract-and-relax cycles rather than force.
The researchers recorded low back pain on a numerical scale and measured hip range of movement before and after treatment.
Both techniques helped, which is a useful and practical result.
Both the PNF and MET groups reported reduced low back pain after treatment.
Hip range of movement improved in both groups, easing the pull on the lower back.
The two neuromuscular techniques produced broadly comparable immediate benefits.
Both approaches are gentle and active, and were well tolerated.
Both PNF and muscle energy technique reduced low back pain and improved hip movement in this group, with broadly comparable immediate effects.
This supports neuromuscular techniques as useful, gentle tools for low back pain linked to tight hip flexors. Because both worked, practitioners can choose the approach that best suits the individual.
As always, these techniques form part of a broader plan that includes strengthening, movement and advice, rather than a standalone treatment.
Supports neuromuscular techniques as gentle tools within an exercise-led plan for low back pain.
Reinforces contract-and-relax techniques for easing tight hip flexors that pull on the lower back.
Complements soft tissue work with active, guided stretching of the hip flexors.
Relevant for active clients whose low back pain is linked to hip and pelvic tightness.
This was a small study focused on a specific group, people with low back pain and lumbar hyperlordosis, and it measured immediate effects rather than long-term change. That makes it a helpful pointer rather than the final word.
The findings may not apply to every kind of low back pain. Please confirm the citation details against the source before publishing.
In people with low back pain and lumbar hyperlordosis, both PNF and muscle energy technique reduced pain and improved hip movement, with broadly comparable immediate effects.
For myotherapists and physiotherapists, this supports neuromuscular techniques as gentle, effective tools for this kind of low back pain, within a broader plan.
A Comparative Study on the Immediate Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Versus Muscle Energy Technique in Low Back Pain with Lumbar Hyperlordosis. Lakkadsha TM, Qureshi MI, Kovela RK, Saifee SS, Lalwani SS. Cureus, 2022; 14(8): e27916.
