The Effectiveness of Two Different Feedbacks in Core Stabilization Education for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Istanbul University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Low Back Pain, Mechanical, Biofeedback, Pain, Chronic

Treatments: Other: Biofeedback

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03099941

IstanbulFizyoterapi

Details and patient eligibility

About

Abstract. Insufficient motor control mechanism of transversus abdominus and multifidus muscles is the most important cause of the chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). Recently, applications sre developed that generates audio and vibrant stimuli in response to anteroposterior and mediolateral rotations and can be adapted according to subject-specific movement sensitivity.

Objective. The objective of this study was to compare effects of a biofeedback application that is alternative to physiotherapist feedback in core stabilization training of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Design. This study was a parallel group randomized controlled trial with outcome assessment.

Patients. The participants were 38 patients with chronic (≥12 weeks) nonspecific low back pain.

Interventions. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either physiotherapist feedback or Perfect Practice (Level Belt Pro Inc.) biofeedback. Patients in both groups received 12 sessions, 30 minutes of three weekly graded functional core education trial.

Measurements. Primary outcome measures were muscle strength (transversus abdominus and multifidus) pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale) and functional level (Revised Oswestry Disability Index); secondary outcomes were flexibility (modified Schober test), range of motion (universal goniometer), proprioception (Active Reposition Test), patient beliefs (Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire), psychological status (Beck Depression Index), and quality of life(36 Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire [SF-36]).

Limitations. Outcome measures for muscle strength did not include objective assesment.

Keywords. Chronic low back, core stabilization training, biofeedback, pain, function

Enrollment: 38 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 25 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 25 and 65 years
• Continuous or recurrent episodes of pain in the lower back lasting for more than 12 weeks (chronic)
• No specific cause for pain complaints
• No other pathologic complaints or immobility
• Sufficient auditory and visual communication skills and
• Sufficient knowledge of the Turkish language

Exclusion criteria

• Any chronic disorder that may prevent exercise,
• Personal history of neurologic or rheumatologic disease,
• Pregnant or lactating women,
• Patients with malignancy or a lumbar comorbidity
• Terminal or progressive disease and any other musculoskeletal condition
• Surgery in the last 6 months and
• Any type of treatment for low back pain within past 6 months

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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38 participants in 2 patient groups

Biofeedback group

Experimental group

Description:

The biofeedback application which helps patient to understand neutral position and how to maintain it in exercises that are prescribed by the physical therapist

Treatment:

Other: Biofeedback

Physical therapist feedback group

Active Comparator group

Description:

In physical therapist feedback group feedback applied by oral and tactile stimulation of physical therapist to helps patient to understand neutral position and how to maintain it in exercises that are prescribed

Treatment:

Other: Biofeedback