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Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on chronic nonspecific low back pain in adults: a randomized controlled study
Weissenfels A, Teschler M, Willert S, Hettchen M, Frohlich M, Kleinoder H, Kohl M, von Stengel S, Kemmler W
Journal of Pain Research 2018 Sep 20;11:1949-1957
clinical trial
8/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

PURPOSE: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequent chronic conditions worldwide. Data from a recent meta-analysis indicated that whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), a time-effective, joint-friendly, and highly individualized training technology, demonstrated promising effects on LBP; however, methodologic limitations prevent definitive evidence for this result. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a randomized controlled WB-EMS trial to determine the corresponding effect on chronic, nonspecific LBP in people with chronic LBP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty LBP patients, 40 to 70 years old, were randomly assigned into two groups (WB-EMS 15; control (CG) 15). While the nonactive CG maintained their lifestyle, the WB-EMS group completed a 12-week WB-EMS protocol (1x20 min/week) with slight movements, specifically dedicated to LBP. Pain intensity and frequency were determined by a 4-week pain diary before and during the last 4 weeks of intervention. Primary study endpoint was average pain intensity at the lumbar spine. RESULTS: At baseline, no group differences apart from nonregular exercise were observed. Mean intensity of LBP decreased significantly in the WB-EMS group (p = 0.002) and remained unchanged in the CG (p = 0.730), with a significant difference between both groups (p = 0.027). Maximum isometric trunk extensors improved significantly in the WB-EMS group (p = 0.005), while no significant difference was seen in the CG (p = 0.683). In contrast to the significant difference between WB-EMS group and CG for the latter parameter (p = 0.038), no intergroup difference was determined for maximum isometric trunk flexors (p = 0.091). The WB-EMS group showed a significant increase of this parameter (p = 0.003), while no significant change was determined in the CG (p = 0.563). CONCLUSION: WB-EMS is a time-effective training method for reducing chronic nonspecific LBP and increasing maximum trunk strength in people with such complaints. After this promising comparison with a nonactive CG, research needs to be extended to include comparisons with active groups (WB-Vibration, conventional back strengthening).

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