Introduction: Currently, clinical practice guidelines recommend exercise as a first-line approach to the treatment of chronic low back pain (LBP). On the other hand, passive techniques such as cupping therapy have gained space in the management of this population, however, important gaps regarding the combination of cupping therapy with active exercises in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain are still present in the literature. In this context, this protocol describes a sham-controlled, randomized and blinded study that aims to evaluate the additional effects of cupping therapy in association with McKenzie method exercises on pain and functional outcomes of individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Methods: 108 individuals with nonspecific and localized chronic low back pain in the age group of 18 to 59 years will be recruited and evaluated, regarding the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, they will be randomized to one of 2 groups: intervention group, in which they will be submitted to the McKenzie method intervention and later the addition of the dry suction cup; and sham group, in which, after the intervention of the McKenzie method, the application of the sham cup will be added.
Individuals, male and female, 18 to 59 years, non-obese, with non-specific localized LBP for more than 3 months;
Report pain intensity between 3 and 8 according to the numerical pain scale;
Have previously performed cupping therapy in some body segment;
Present neurological, vestibular, visual or auditory deficits that make assessments impossible;
Being in the gestational period;
Having severe spinal disease (including fractures, tumour, inflammatory diseases, or tumours);