Efficacy of electroacupuncture and tens in the rehabilitation of chronic low back pain patients

Abstract

SummaryFifty-four patients treated in a 3-week inpatient rehabilitation program were randomly assigned to and accepted treatment with electroacupuncture (n = 17) TENS (low intensity transcutaneous nerve stimulation, n = 18) and TENS deadbattery (placebo, n = 18). Outcome measures included estimates of pain (on a Visual Analogue Scale) and disability by both physician and patient, physical measures of trunk strength and spine range of motion, as well as the patient's perceptions of the relative contribution of the education, exercise training, and the electrical stimulation. Analyses of variance were utilized to determine effects of treatment (electroacupuncture, TENS, placebo) across time (admission, discharge, and return) for the outcome measures. There were no significant differences between treatment groups with respect to their overall rehabilitation. All 3 treatment groups ranked the contribution of the education as being greater than the electrical stimulation. However, the electroacupuncture group consistently demonstrated greater improvement on the outcome measures than the other treatment groups. For the visual analogue scale measure of average pain, there was a statistical trend at the return visit suggesting that the acupuncture group was experiencing less pain.

Chapter 4 European guidelines for the management of chronic nonspecific low back pain

“…not change the general pattern of no effectiveness that was shown by the SRs, no rigorous quality assessment of these trials was carried out. (Lehmann et al 1986). There was no difference in effects between the two reference groups (TENS and placebo TENS) (Lehmann et al 1986).…”

“…(Lehmann et al 1986). There was no difference in effects between the two reference groups (TENS and placebo TENS) (Lehmann et al 1986).…”

“…One low quality trial included in the Cochrane review on the effectiveness of acupuncture reported that neither TENS nor placebo TENS groups were as effective as acupuncture (Lehmann et al 1986). The additional trials that compared other types of treatment with TENS also did not report effects in favour of the TENS groups ( There is moderate evidence that TENS is not more effective than vertebral axial decompression, acupuncture, PENS, or electroacupuncture in the treatment of chronic low back pain (level B).…”

The Use of Electro-Acupuncture in Conjunction with Exercise for the Treatment of Chronic Low-Back Pain

“…In addition, EA was administered three times per week for 4 weeks by another physiotherapist certificated in acupuncture. The acupoints were chosen according to a summation of common points used in the literature reviewed along the Bladder and Spleen meridian (Coan et al, 1980;Edelist et al, 1976;Gunn et al, 1980;Lehmann et al, 1986;MacDonald et al, 1983;Thomas et al, 1994). These were the UB23 (Shenshu), UB25 (Dachangshu), UB40 (Weizhong), and SP 6 (Sanyinjiao) points (Fig.…”

To Compare the Effects of Internal Rotation Mobilization of Hip With Conventional Physiotherapy Treatment in Patients With Low Back Pain: Randomized Clinical Trail

“…Current amplitude was increased maximum as tolerated by the subject. The treatment duration was 15 minutes [15,16]. Stretching of external rotators: Stretches were performed with the subject lying prone, the hip extended, and the knee flexed to 90.…”