Efficacy of the addition of interferential current to Pilates method in patients with low back pain: a protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundChronic low back pain is one of the four most common diseases in the world with great socioeconomic impact. Supervised exercise therapy is one of the treatments suggested for this condition; however, the recommendation on the best type of exercise is still unclear. The Pilates method of exercise is effective in reducing pain and disability in these patients, as well as the analgesia promoted by interferential current. Currently, the literature lacks information on the efficacy of the association of these two techniques in the short- and medium-term than performing one of the techniques isolated. The objective of this study will be to evaluate the efficacy of adding interferential current to the Pilates method exercises for the treatment of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain in the short- and medium-term.Methods/DesignThis study will be a randomized controlled trial with two arms and blinded evaluator, conducted at an outpatient Physical Therapy Department in Brazil. Patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain and pain equal to or greater than 3 in the Pain Numerical Rating Scale (0/10) will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group with active interferential current + Pilates (n = 74) will be submitted to the active interferential current associated to the modified Pilates exercises, and Group with sham interferential current + Pilates (n = 74) will be submitted to the sham interferential current associated with the modified Pilates exercises during 18 sessions. The outcomes pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, general and specific disability, global perceived effect and kinesiophobia will be evaluated by a blinded assessor at baseline, six weeks and six months after randomization.DiscussionBecause of the study design, blinding of the participants and the therapists involved in the study will not be possible. The results of this study could contribute to the process of clinical decision- making for the improvement of pain and disability in participants with nonspecific chronic low back pain.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01919268Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-420) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Different Electrode Types of Interferential Current Therapy in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blinded Study

“…16 Interferential current, which is more effective than placebo when combined with other therapies in reducing pain, afforded the same results. 3 In our study, there were short and long-term improvements in pain, disability, and QoL scores the IFT group with vacuum electrodes.…”

“…2 The treatment of chronic LBP aims to prevent disability by reducing pain. [1][2][3] Conservative treatment involves rest, drug therapy, physical therapy modalities, exercise, manipulation, bracing, and back school. 4 Exercise is very important for treating patients with chronic LBP; however, patients cannot exercise because of their LBP.…”

“…4 Exercise is very important for treating patients with chronic LBP; however, patients cannot exercise because of their LBP. 3 As such, participation in physical therapy for the reduction of pain may allow affected patients to join exercise programs at earlier stages.…”

“…5 Despite the widespread use and popularity of interferential current therapy (IFT) for pain management among physicians, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support aspects of their claimed effectiveness. [1][2][3][4] Rajfur et al investigated five different treatment approaches; conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), acupuncturelike TENS, high-voltage electrical stimulation, interferential current (IFC) stimulation, diadynamic current, in 123 patients with chronic LBP compared with a control group. The results showed that electrical stimulation therapy with IFC was the most effective treatment for reducing pain.…”

Comparação da satisfação, motivação, flexibilidade e dor muscular tardia entre método Pilates moderno e método Pilates instável

“…Exercises performed with unstable Pilates method are described in Appendix 1. Exercises from modern Pilates method were based on a previously published workbook 22 .…”