Elastic bands or weights? small study tests best hip exercise for back pain relief

NCT ID NCT06976242

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed trial tested whether elastic resistance bands or free weights are better for strengthening the gluteus medius muscle in 36 adults aged 30-60 with chronic non-specific low back pain. Participants did exercises targeting the hip muscle, and researchers measured changes in pain, muscle strength, and walking speed. The goal is to find a simple, effective way to improve symptoms and guide physical therapy choices.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Elastic resistance training (TheraBand) and free weight training (weight cuffs)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help clinicians choose a simple, effective exercise method to reduce pain and improve walking speed in people with chronic low back pain.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed trial with only 36 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Exercise benefits can vary, and the study does not test long-term effects.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Low Back Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Rehman Medical Institute

    Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 25000, Pakistan