Effects of Abdominal Muscle Activation Training, Using Pressure Biofeedback in Comparison With Surface Electromyography

Foundation University Islamabad

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Low Back Pain

Treatments: Procedure: Abdominal activation using SEMG biofeedback; Procedure: Abdominal activation using pressure biofeedback

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06387563

FUI/CTR/2024/4

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study is a randomized control trial and the purpose of this study to determine the effects of abdominal muscle activation training on non-specific low back pain; using pressure biofeedback in comparison with surface electromyography biofeedback: a randomized control trial.

Full description

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of abdominal muscle activation training, using pressure biofeedback in comparison with surface electromyography biofeedback, in management of non-specific low back pain: a randomized control trial.

Pain and disability are the primary outcomes which will be determined using:

1. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS)
2. Oswestry disability index (ODI) Data will be taken before and after the intervention protocol for each participant.

Data collection procedure: Participants of interest would be approached and explained about the research. Informed written consent will be taken. Pre and post intervention scores will be recorded.

Enrollment: 40 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 44 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age (adults 19 - 44 years)
• Non-specific LBP with NPRS > 3
• Negative SLR test in prone and supine
• Painless extremity movement and activity
• Manual muscle testing of abdominal muscles between grade 2 - 4
• Sedentary individuals (no exercise plan followed in last 3 months)

Exclusion criteria

• History of any spinal surgery
• Degenerative disc disorder, facet joint syndrome, spinal stenosis, myelopathy, lumbar syringomyelia
• Sensory disturbances due to neurological causes, lumbar radiculopathy, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Pregnancy
• Medical conditions; Hypertension, Diabetes mellites
• Work disability greater than 6 months
• Not able to attend regular therapy appointments

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

40 participants in 2 patient groups

Group A: Abdominal activation using pressure biofeedback

Experimental group

Description:

Group A PBF assisted abdominal muscle activation training (30 min, 3x /week /4 weeks) Progressive Muscle Relaxation for 5 min Pressure biofeedback assisted abdominal muscle activation training. Frequency: 25 min; 10 sec hold, 15 sec relax, 10 reps Progression criteria in training: Maintaining 3 - 5 mmHg pressure on PBF dial while performing abdominal muscle activation. Exercises for Group For biofeedback assisted abdominal muscle activation training these exercises will be performed: 1. Supine abdominal muscle activation (45° Hip knee flexion) 2. Both hip and knee 90° flexion 3. One side hip and knee 90° flexion with other fully extended 4. One side hip and knee 90° flexion with other fully extended + heel 12 cm raised 5. Both legs fully extended with heel 12 cm raised 6. Partial curl ups 7. Prone lying abdominal muscle activation 8. Prone leg raises 9. Prone upper back extension simple 10. Prone reciprocal UE/LE exercises

Treatment:

Procedure: Abdominal activation using pressure biofeedback

Group B: Abdominal activation using SEMG biofeedback

Experimental group

Description:

GROUP B: SEMG-BF assisted abdominal muscle activation training (30 min, 3x/ week/ 4 weeks) Progressive Muscle Relaxation for 5 min Surface EMG-BF assisted abdominal muscle activation training. Frequency: 25 min; 10 sec hold, 15 sec relax, 10 reps Maintaining minimal volumetric contraction of abdominal muscle activation (as per person) on SEMG device with abdominal muscle activation for set frequency Exercises for Group B For biofeedback assisted abdominal muscle activation training these exercises will be performed: 1. Supine abdominal muscle activation (45° Hip knee flexion) 2. Both hip and knee 90° flexion 3. One side hip and knee 90° flexion with other fully extended 4. One side hip and knee 90° flexion with other fully extended + heel 12 cm raised 5. Both legs fully extended with heel 12 cm raised 6. Partial curl ups 7. Prone lying abdominal muscle activation 8. Prone leg raises 9. Prone upper back extension simple 10. Prone reciprocal UE/LE exercises

Treatment:

Procedure: Abdominal activation using SEMG biofeedback