Influence of Stabilization Techniques Used in the Treatment of Low Back Pain on the Level of Kinesiophobia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to try to compare the effectiveness of manual therapy techniques in combination with stabilization techniques: the so-called Australian method and the Neurac method in relation to pain sensations and the level of kinesiophobia. A total of 69 people were examined, divided into three groups of 23 people each. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess the antalgic effect, and the Kinesiophobia Causes Scale questionnaire was used to assess the level of kinesiophobia. Patients improved over four weeks, during which they were assessed three times. The evaluation of the desired parameters was also performed over a 24-week period to assess long-term performance. Stabilization techniques are an effective extension of manual therapy techniques in patients with low back pain. People in the groups additionally improved in terms of stabilization techniques, which are characterized by a lower level of kinesiophobia. Its lowest level was found in the group additionally improved with the Neurac method. In the long-term study, the level of kinesiophobia in this group was still maintained at a reduced level. The use of stabilization techniques involving patients in action may significantly affect the level of kinesiophobia, and thus have a much wider effect than just pain reduction.

Relationship between Kinesiophobia and Ankle Joint Position Sense and Postural Control in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Kinesiophobia, also called “fear of movement or activity,” is defined as an excessive fear of physical movement, expecting or feeling of vulnerability to painful injury [ 17 ]. A reciprocal process occurs, resulting in a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and experiences, resulting in fear of movement, kinesiophobia, and catastrophic behavior [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Fear of movement may contribute to decreased muscular strength, increased postural sway, and impaired proprioception in musculoskeletal disorders [ 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”