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Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
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Relaxation Techniques in Low Back Pain Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Semira Manolaki1, Ioannis Gkiatas2, Spyridon Sioutis3
1Stress Management and Health Promotion Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants
|August 4, 2021
Summary
Relaxation techniques significantly reduced low back pain and cortisol levels in patients. These methods should be integrated into rehabilitation protocols for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition affecting 11% of the Greek population, significantly impacting functional ability and quality of life.
- Current LBP treatment often incorporates complementary therapies, including various relaxation techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of relaxation techniques in reducing stress and pain, and improving quality of life in patients with low back pain.
- To investigate the impact of a structured relaxation program on physiological stress markers, such as cortisol levels.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 64 patients with LBP, divided into a treatment group (n=31) and a control group (n=33).
- The treatment group participated in an 8-week relaxation program involving diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscular relaxation, autogenic training, and guided imagery, with daily home practice.
- The control group did not engage in any relaxation techniques.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements were observed in the Brief Pain Inventory scores and multidimensional locus of control for the treatment group compared to the control group.
- The treatment group exhibited significant decreases in all three measured cortisol levels, indicating a reduction in physiological stress.
- No significant differences were found between groups regarding the Perceived Stress Scale, body-mass index, or satisfaction with functional ability.
Conclusions:
- Relaxation techniques demonstrate positive effects on pain reduction and cortisol level decrease in individuals with low back pain.
- These findings support the incorporation of relaxation techniques into standard rehabilitation protocols for LBP management to enhance patient outcomes.
