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Int J Sports Med 2023; 44(11): 820-829
DOI: 10.1055/a-2080-2018
Training & Testing

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Electrostimulation Combined with Stretching on Lower Back Pain

Adriano Silvestri 
1   Department of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
,
Bruno Ruscello 
2   Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, Telematic University San Raffaele Rome Srl, Rome, Italy
,
Cristina Rosazza
3   Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
,
Gianluca Briotti
4   Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Universita degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
,
Paolo Roberto Gabrielli
4   Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Universita degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
,
Cosimo Tudisco
5   Department of the Faculty of Medicine, UniCamillus, Rome, Italy
,
Stefano D'Ottavio
6   Scienze Cliniche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
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Abstract

Data from recent studies suggest that whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a time-effective and tailored intervention for chronic lower back pain (CLBP). The aim of this non-randomized controlled study was to compare the efficacy of a WB-EMS training and the association between WB-EMS specific training with passive stretching (Well Back System, [WBS]) on CLBP. Forty patients with CLBP, 43–81 years old, were assigned to one of the two groups: WB-EMS (n=20) and WB-EMS+WBS (n=20). Both groups completed 12 sessions (8 weeks) of the WB-EMS protocol (2×20 minutes/week). The second group performed core-specific exercises with WB-EMS plus 6 extra stretching sessions (30 minutes each). Primary study endpoints were based on changes on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and changes on the Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire (ODI). Secondary study endpoints were percentage changes of maximum trunk flexion (Sit & Reach, [SR]) and changes in consumption of painkillers. Both interventions significantly improved VAS, ODI, and SR values (p range: 0.04;<0.001). However, the change of VAS (–46% vs. –17%, p<0.001), ODI (–53% vs. –17%, p<0.001), and SR (+ 7 vs.+3 cm, p=0.001) were significantly higher in the WB-EMS+WBS group compared to the WB-EMS group. The working method with WB-EMS+WBS can be a joint-friendly, individualized form to decrease CLBP.

Key word

chronic back pain - wb-ems - well back system - passive stretching - odi - vas


Publication History

Received: 14 October 2023

Accepted: 20 April 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
24 April 2023

Article published online:
31 July 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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