Practical Measurement of Changes in Leg Length Discrepancy After a Myofascial Release on the Thoracolumbar Fascia in Patients With Acute Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study

Background Recent work has examined an association between leg length discrepancy (LLD) and low back pain (LBP). Myofascial release (MFR) techniques are thought to be frequently applied in the treatment of chronic and acute LBP. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a practical measure of LLD and the feasibility of an MFR technique in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods In 12 subjects (seven women and five men) with acute LBP and LLD greater than 3 mm, an MFR technique was performed on the thoracolumbar fascia. At the baseline, after the intervention, and at follow-up, LLD was measured using a cross-line laser and finger-to-floor distance, and the pain was measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients completed a questionnaire after follow-up to assess the acceptability of the study procedure. The therapist evaluated the methods in terms of their feasibility. Results LLD measurement and MFR treatment required little time and few resources. Participants agreed to the study procedure with moderate to high acceptance. The LLD decreased by 5 mm after treatment and by 4 mm at follow-up. The VAS showed a reduction in pain of 17.50 mm at follow-up but not immediately after treatment. Conclusion The measurement of LLD is applicable in daily osteopathic practice, but it cannot be assumed to be a valid method for an RCT. Validated methods such as video raster stereography are, therefore, recommended. Comprehensive RCTs to study the effects of MFR intervention on leg length are feasible.