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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

The effect of continuous ultrasound on chronic non-specific low back pain: a single blind placebo-controlled randomized trial

Authors: Safoora Ebadi, Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari, Soofia Naghdi, Shohre Jalaei, Mirmostafa Sadat, Hosein Bagheri, Maurits W vanTulder, Nicholas Henschke, Ehsan Fallah

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders around the world including Iran. One of the most widely used modalities in the field of physiotherapy is therapeutic ultrasound (US). Despite its common use, there is still inconclusive evidence to support its effectiveness in patients with NSCLBP. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of continuous US compared with placebo US additional to exercise therapy for patients with NSCLBP.

Methods

In this single blind placebo controlled study, 50 patients with NSCLBP were randomized into two treatment groups: 1) continuous US (1 MHz &1.5 W/cm²⁾ plus exercise 2) placebo US plus exercise. Patients received treatments for 4 weeks, 10 treatment sessions, 3 times per week, every other day. Treatment effects were assessed in terms of primary outcome measures: 1) functional disability, measured by Functional Rating Index, and 2) global pain, measured by a visual analog scale. Secondary outcome measures were lumbar flexion and extension range of motion (ROM), endurance time and rate of decline in median frequency of electromyography spectrum during a Biering Sorensen test. All outcome variables were measured before, after treatment, and after one-month follow-up. An intention to treat analysis was performed. Main effects of Time and Group as well as their interaction effect on outcome measures were investigated using repeated measure ANOVA.

Results

Analysis showed that both groups had improved regarding function (FRI) and global pain (VAS) (P < .001). Lumbar ROM as well as holding time during the Sorensen test and median frequency slope of all measured paravertebral muscles did not change significantly in either group (P > .05). Improvement in function and lumbar ROM as well as endurance time were significantly greater in the group receiving continuous US (P < .05).

Conclusions

The study showed that adding continuous US to a semi supervised exercise program significantly improved function, lumbar ROM and endurance time. Further studies including a third group of only exercise and no US can establish the possible effects of placebo US.

Trial registration

NTR2251

Available only for authorised users

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/13/192/prepub

Title: The effect of continuous ultrasound on chronic non-specific low back pain: a single blind placebo-controlled randomized trial
Authors: Safoora Ebadi
Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari
Soofia Naghdi
Shohre Jalaei
Mirmostafa Sadat
Hosein Bagheri
Maurits W vanTulder
Nicholas Henschke
Ehsan Fallah
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-13-192

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The effect of continuous ultrasound on chronic non-specific low back pain: a single blind placebo-controlled randomized trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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