Abstract Information 
Abstract ID
20260088
Category
Sports Medicine: Sports Physiotherapy
Preferable Presentation
Oral Presentation
Title
ACUTE EFFECTS OF TISSUE FLOSSING COMBINED WITH CORRECTIVE EXERCISE ON PAIN AND FUNCTIONAL RESTORATION IN NON-SPECIFIC CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Author
  • Full Name: JIANHONG GAO
  • Affiliation/Institution: Faculty of Educational Studies, University Putra Malaysia
  • Country: Malaysia

  • Full Name: JIN SENG THUNG
  • Affiliation/Institution: Injury Risk Management Research Cluster, Research and Innovation Division, National Sports Institute
  • Country: Malaysia

  • Full Name: AZRIL SYAZWAN BIN MOHD ALI
  • Affiliation/Institution: Sports Medicine Centre, National Sports Institute of Malaysia
  • Country: Malaysia

  • Full Name: CHEN SOON CHEE
  • Affiliation/Institution: Faculty of Educational Studies, University Putra Malaysia
  • Country: Malaysia

  • Full Name: ELIZA BINTI HAFIZ
  • Affiliation/Institution: Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, University of Malaysia
  • Country: Malaysia
Presenter
Jianhong Gao
Abstract
Background
Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder associated with persistent pain and impaired function. Tissue flossing using the Flossband application (FA), when combined with Corrective Exercise Programs (CEP), has gained attention as a rehabilitation approach that delivers controlled compression to muscles and joints, potentially improving circulation, mobility, and pain regulation. Despite its growing use, the effectiveness of FA in conjunction with CEP for managing NSCLBP has not been clearly established.
Objectives
This study aimed to compare the effects of Flossband application with 30% stretch tension combined with a Corrective Exercise Program, Flossband without tension plus CEP, and CEP alone on pain intensity and functional recovery in patients with NSCLBP.
Research design
Sixty adults with NSCLBP were randomized allocated into Flossband Group1 (FG1), Flossband group2 (FG2) and control group (CG). All groups underwent 20 minutes of myofascial release, 15 minutes of muscle stretching exercises, and 30 minutes of stability exercises. FG1 received 30% FA applied to the lumbar or lower limbs, FG2 received FA without tension, and CG performed the CEP without FA. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while physical function outcomes were evaluated through 3-meter timed up and go (3m-TUG), sit and reach (SR), trunk lateral flexion (TF), trunk rotation (TR), lumbar flexion (LF), lumbar extension (LE), straight leg raise (SLR), and isometric maximum trunk extension strength (TES), conducted before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using a two-way mixed ANOVA (3*2).
Results
No significant differences or interaction effects were found between groups on dependent variables (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant within-group differences on VAS, 3m-TUG, TLF, TR, LF, SLR and TES (p < 0.05). Clinically, FG1 showed greater improvements in pain reduction (-81.98%) compared with FG2 (62.53%) and CG (73.70%), as well as superior gains in lumbar and lower limb flexibility (5.80–19.07% vs. 2.70–16.62% and 1.90–18.41%, respectively) and maximum isometric trunk extension strength (19.24% vs. 9.11% and 9.02%).
Conclusion
While there were no significant differences between groups, all interventions were effective in reducing pain and restoring physical function. Additionally, 30% FA combined with CEP showed superiority in improving trunk and lower limb flexibility as well as restoring the trunk extensor strength. Thus, 30% FA combined with CEP may serve as a novel and promising treatment protocol for pain management and functional restoration in patients with NSCLBP.