Figure 1 Schematic comparison of 6-week treatment protocols for 112 patients with low back myofascial pain syndrome in this randomized controlled trial. The control group (n=56) received physical therapy combined with infrared therapy (YSHT-II, Shanghai Yuejin Medical Optical Instruments Factory, Shanghai, China; input power: 400 W; 15 minutes per session, twice weekly), whereas the experimental group (n=56) received the same physical therapy program combined with radial ESWT (Electro Medical Systems S.A., Nyon, Switzerland; 2000 pulses per session, 2.0–2.5 bar, 5–10 Hz, twice weekly). Both groups received 5 physical therapy sessions per week; each session lasted 30 minutes. Outcome assessments, including Numerical Rating Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Patient Global Impression of Change, were performed at baseline and after the 6-week treatment period. ESWT – extracorporeal shock wave therapy.