NCT03772093

The Effectiveness of Short-term Massage Versus Trabert Current Therapy in Patients With Low Back Pain

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Medical University of Bialystok · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is still a frequent health problem. Recurrance of symptoms leads to high absence at work. It was proved in previous studies that low back manual massage has a significant impact on pain reduction. Trabert current (TC) is common physical modality used in rehabilitation of patients with LBP. The aim of study was to assess the effectiveness of manual massage in comparison to TC in patients with LBP. Methods: Sixty patients with LBP were enrolled in to the study. In all patients discopathy and spondyloarthrosis were diagnosed. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: massage (I=30) and TC (II=30) therapy. The procedures were performed for ten days. Pain intensity was assessed by Numerical Rating Scale. Quality of life and the degree of disability were evaluated by Oswestry Disability Index and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Results: In both groups pain reduction and functional improvement were observed after therapy. However, better results were noticed in group I.

Conditions

• Low Back Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Trabert current	Trabert current is an interrupted direct current of low frequency (143 Hz) applied via medium sized electrodes supported on a thick moist viscose sponge. These electrodes are placed near the spinal column along the thoracolumbar region. The electrodes are separated from each other by a distance of 3-4 cms.The current is passed through electrodes placed on the body. The intensity of the current is gradually increased short of pain. The feeling should be a pronounced but a comfortable 'tingling' sensation ('comfortably strong'). By doing this, the optimum current strength specific to the patient is found. The intensity of the current is slowly increased in the first few minutes as patients get used to the sensation. It is thought that this current provides pain relief, reduces muscle spasm and increases blood flow.
OTHER	Manual massage	Therapeutic massage is the manipulation of the soft tissue of whole body areas to bring about generalised improvements in health.Massage is thought to work through a mechanical action and a reflex action. A mechanical action is created by moving the muscles and soft tissues of the body using pressure and stretching movement. This mechanical action is based on breaking up fibrous tissue and loosen stiff joints.It may help heal damaged muscle, stimulate circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic system, boost the activity of the immune system, reduce pain and tension and induce a calming effect.

Timeline

• Start date: 2016-01-01
• Primary completion: 2018-09-30
• Completion: 2018-10-30
• First posted: 2018-12-11
• Last updated: 2018-12-11