BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic low back pain (CLBP) requires a treatment period of >= 6 weeks to decrease pain and disability and is ineffective as sole treatment. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) has rapid effects in musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 3-week combined TENS and IASTM treatment (TICT) on CLBP. METHODS: Thirty-two young men with CLBP were randomly divided into the TICT and control groups (n = 16 each). Patients were evaluated with the visual analog (VAS) and face pain-rating scales (FPRS) for pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test for flexibility, and the supine bridge test (SBT) for endurance before and after the treatment course. The TICT group received TICT on the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings, six times in 3 weeks. RESULTS: Group, time, and group x time interaction effects on pain were significant (VAS and FPRS all p < 0.001). Group x time interaction (ODI p < 0.001; PSLR p < 0.05; SBT p < 0.01) and group (ODI p < 0.05) and time main effects (ODI p < 0.001; PSLR p < 0.01; SBT p < 0.001) on motor function were significant. CONCLUSION: Thus, short-term TICT decreased pain level and increased motor function in CLBP patients, yet further investigation is needed on different age and gender groups.

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