scholarly journals Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Low Back Pain in People with Chronic Unspecific Dorsal Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient Data from Randomized Controlled WB-EMS Trials

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Kemmler ◽  
Anja Weissenfels ◽  
Michael Bebenek ◽  
Michael Fröhlich ◽  
Heinz Kleinöder ◽  
...  

In order to evaluate the favorable effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on low back pain (LBP), an aspect which is frequently claimed by commercial providers, we performed a meta-analysis of individual patient data. The analysis is based on five of our recently conducted randomized controlled WB-EMS trials with adults 60 years+, all of which applied similar WB-EMS protocols (1.5 sessions/week, bipolar current, 16–25 min/session, 85 Hz, 350 μs, and 4–6 s impulse/4 s impulse-break) and used the same pain questionnaire. From these underlying trials, we included only subjects with frequent-chronic LBP in the present meta-analysis. Study endpoints were pain intensity and frequency at the lumbar spine. In summary, 23 participants of the underlying WB-EMS and 22 subjects of the control groups (CG) were pooled in a joint WB-EMS and CG. At baseline, no group differences with respect to LBP intensity and frequency were observed. Pain intensity improved significantly in the WB-EMS (p<.001) and was maintained (p=.997) in the CG. LBP frequency decreased significantly in the WB-EMS (p<.001) and improved nonsignificantly in the CG (p=.057). Group differences for both LBP parameters were significant (p≤.035). We concluded that WB-EMS appears to be an effective training tool for reducing LBP; however, RCTs should further address this issue with more specified study protocols.

Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanjie Zhang ◽  
Paul D. Loprinzi ◽  
Lin Yang ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
Shijie Liu ◽  
...  

Objective: The aim of this meta-analytic review was to quantitatively examine the effects of traditional Chinese exercises (TCE) on pain intensity and back disability in individuals with low back pain (LBP). Methods: Potential articles were retrieved using seven electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Web of Science, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang). The searched period was from inception to 1 March 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of TCE on pain intensity and back disability in LBP patients were included. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using the random-effects models and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Data from eleven RCTs (886 individuals with LBP) meeting the inclusion criteria were extracted for meta-analysis. Compared with the control intervention, TCE induced significant improvements in the visual analogue scale (VAS) (Hedge’s g = −0.64, 95% CI −0.90 to −0.37, p < 0.001), Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) (Hedge’s g = −0.41, 95% CI −0.79 to −0.03, p = 0.03), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (Hedge’s g = −0.96, 95% CI −1.42 to −0.50, p < 0.001), and cognitive function (Hedge’s g = −0.62, 95% CI −0.85 to −0.39, p < 0.001). In a meta-regression analysis, age (β = 0.01, p = 0.02) and total exercise time (β = −0.0002, p = 0.01) were associated with changes in the VAS scores, respectively. Moderator analyses demonstrated that Tai Chi practice (Hedge’s g = −0.87, 95% CI −1.38 to −0.36, p < 0.001) and Qigong (Hedge’s g = −0.54, 95% CI −0.86 to −0.23, p < 0.001) reduced VAS scores. Interventions with a frequency of 1–2 times/week (Hedge’s g = −0.53, 95% CI −0.98 to −0.07, p = 0.02) and 3–4 times/week (Hedge’s g = −0.78, 95% CI −1.15 to −0.42, p < 0.001) were associated with reduced VAS scores, but this significant reduction on this outcome was not observed in the weekly training frequency of ≥5 times (Hedge’s g = −0.54, 95% CI −1.16 to 0.08, p = 0.09). Conclusions: TCE may have beneficial effects for reducing pain intensity for individuals with LBP, regardless of their pain status.


2019 ◽  
Vol 100 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-254
Author(s):  
Shanshan Lin ◽  
Bo Zhu ◽  
Guozhi Huang ◽  
Chuhuai Wang ◽  
Qing Zeng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Low back pain (LBP) is a very common and disabling disorder in modern society. The intervention strategies for LBP include drug therapy, surgery, and physical interventions. Recently, kinesiotaping, as a simple and noninvasive treatment, has been used to treat chronic nonspecific LBP, but its effectiveness and true merit remains unclear. Purpose The purpose of this study was to summarize the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of kinesiotaping (KT) for chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) and disability. Data Sources Medline, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and EmBase were searched from inception to September 1, 2018. Study Selection Studies were included in the review if they met the following criteria: RCTs published in English; patients (&gt;18 years old) diagnosed with CNLBP (pain duration of &gt; 12 weeks), with or without leg pain; KT as a single treatment or as a part of other forms of physical therapy; outcomes measured included pain intensity and disability. Data Extraction Three independent investigators completed data extraction. Methodological quality was appraised using the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) guidelines were applied to assess the confidence of the effect estimates. Data Synthesis Eleven RCT studies involving 785 patients were retained for the meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model. Compared with the control group, the pooled SMD of pain intensity was significantly reduced (SMD = −0.73; 95% CI = −1.12 to −0.35; GRADE: low) and disability was improved (SMD = −0.51; 95% CI = −0.85 to −0.17; GRADE: low) in the KT group. Subgroup analyses showed that, compared with the control, the I strip of KT significantly reduced pain (SMD = −0.48; GRADE: low) but not disability (SMD = −0.26; GRADE: low). Compared with sham/placebo tape, KT provided significant pain reduction (SMD = −0.84; GRADE: low) and disability improvement (SMD = −0.56; GRADE: low). Moreover, compared with the no-tape group, the KT group also showed pain reduction (SMD = −0.74; GRADE: low) and disability improvement (SMD = −0.65; GRADE: low). Limitations Limitations of the review included a lack of homogeneity, different methodologies and treatment duration of KT application, and relatively small sample sizes. Conclusions There is low-quality evidence that KT has a beneficial role in pain reduction and disability improvement for patients with CNLBP. More high-quality studies are required to confirm the effects of KT on CNLBP.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Weissenfels ◽  
Nicolas Wirtz ◽  
Ulrike Dörmann ◽  
Heinz Kleinöder ◽  
Lars Donath ◽  
...  

Background. Low back pain (LBP) affects almost everyone at least once in their lifetime. Various meta-analyses show promising effects on pain reduction for conventional exercise. However, the lack of time and, especially for pain patients, a fear of movement (“kinesiophobia”) as well as functional limitations often oppose participation in such activities. In contrast, the advantage of novel training technologies like whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) lies particularly in a joint-friendly, time-effective, and highly customized training protocol and might be an alternative option for LBP patients. A meta-analysis of individual patient data and a comparison of WB-EMS against a passive control group confirmed the proof principle. Thus, the aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare WB-EMS with a recognized back-strengthening exercise protocol to determine the corresponding effects on chronic, nonspecific LBP in people suffering from this. Methods and Findings. This randomized, controlled multicenter study is focused on novel and time-effective training technologies and LBP. In this contribution, the focus is primarily on the comparison of WB-EMS against a comparable conventional exercise training (CT). One hundred ten nonspecific chronic LBP patients, 40–70 years old, were randomly allocated to the intervention arms (WB-EMS: 55 vs. CT: 55). Both groups completed a 12-week program (WB-EMS: 1 × 20 min/week vs. CT: 1 × 45 min/week) specifically dedicated to LBP. The selection of the content of the active control group was based on the principles of WB-EMS training, which uses electrical stimulation to train mainly strength and stabilization in a very short time. Exercises were similar in all groups, with the focus on strengthening and stabilizing the trunk. Outcome measures were assessed by a four-week pain diary (before and during the last four weeks of intervention) as well as an isometric maximum strength measurement of the trunk muscles at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. Primary study endpoint was average pain intensity at the lumbar spine. Secondary study endpoints were maximum isometric strength of the back and the abdominals. The mean pain intensity of LBP decreased significantly in both groups (WB-EMS: −22.3 ± 20.9% vs. CT: −30.2 ± 43.9%; p<0.001), however, without significant intergroup difference (p=0.160). A similar result was observed for “maximum isometric strength of trunk muscles.” The increase in back strength (WB-EMS: 15.6 ± 24.9% vs. CT: 23.0 ± 30.9%) was highly significant in both groups (p=0.001), and similar changes were observed for the trunk flexors (WB-EMS: 17.6 ± 24.8% vs. CT: 18.1 ± 24.8%). Also, at the secondary endpoint, no significant difference in pairwise comparison was observed in both cases (extension: p=0.297; flexion: p=0.707). Conclusion. In summary, both, WB-EMS and conventional back-strengthening protocol are comparably effective in reducing nonspecific chronic LBP in this dedicated cohort. The result is particularly positive in terms of time effectiveness and offers an adequate alternative for people with limited time resources or other barriers to conventional training methods.


Trials ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue-Qiang Wang ◽  
Yan-Lin Pi ◽  
Pei-Jie Chen ◽  
Bin-Lin Chen ◽  
Lei-Chao Liang ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Elisa Novitasari ◽  
◽  
RB. Soemanto ◽  
Hanung Prasetya ◽  
◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background: With growing evidence of high prevalence in developing countries, LBP is no longer recognized as a disorder confined to high-income nations but is a major health problem globally. The functional limitations and consequent disability create a heavy economic burden on individuals and society. This study aimed to acupuncture therapy in reducing pain in patients with low back pain. Subjects and Method: A meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted by search published articles from PubMed, Google Schoolar, Mendeley, Hindawi, and Clinical key databases. Keywords used “acupuncture low back pain” OR “acupuncture chronic pain” AND “efficacy acupuncture” AND “chronic low back pain” AND “effect acupuncture for low back pain” AND “randomized controlled trial” AND “visual analogue scale”. The inclusion criteria were full text and using randomized controlled trial (RCT) study design. The articles were selected by PRISMA flow chart and the quantitative data were analyzed by Revman 5.3. Results: 7 studies were met criteria. This study showed that acupuncture therapy reduced pain in patients with low back pain (Mean Difference= -0.40; 95% CI= -0.80 to 0.01; p= 0.05) with heterogeneity I2= 83%. Conclusion: Acupuncture therapy reduces pain in patients with low back pain. Keywords: low back pain, acupuncture chronic low back pain, randomized controlled trial. Correspondence: Elisa Novitasari. Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: [email protected]. Mobile: 085727851938. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/the7thicph.05.43


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