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A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating Changes in Electrical Muscle Activity, Pain, and Function
Mohamed Hussein Elgendy1, Mai Mohamed2, Hisham Mohamed Hussein1
1Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Background:
To investigate the effect of adding r-ESWT to a standard exercise program of chronic non-specific LBP on electrical muscle activity (EMG), pain and function.
Materials And Methods:
Our single-blind randomized controlled trial enrolled 30 patients with chronic non-specific LBP randomly allocated to an r-ESWT (n=15) group and a control group (n=15). All patients received a standard exercise program, while r-ESWT was additionally administered in the r-ESWT group. EMG activity, pain and function were assessed before and after 6 weeks of treatment.
Results:
After treatment, all outcome measures were significantly different (p < 0.05). The addition of r-ESWT produced a significant increase in EMG activity (of all muscles tested) and a reduction in pain intensity and functional disability scores (p < 0.05) compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
1. A standard intervention offered either alone or with r-ESWT increased EMG activities, reduced pain, and enhanced function in patients with chronic non-specific LBP. 2. Adding r-ESWT to the standard intervention program might produce better results.
