Comparison of cognitive functional therapy and neurofeedback training on kinetic gait in patients with chronic...

Walking disorders are a significant issue for patients with low back pain. The aim of clinical trials is to compare the effects of cognitive functional therapy (CFT) and neurofeedback training (NFBT) on gait kinetics in chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) patients.

Sixty females with chronic non-specific low back pain were recruitment for clinical trials. They were randomly divided into experimental and one control groups (Each group 20 patients). The experimental group received the relevant interventions for eight weeks. The primary outcome was pain, kinesiophobia and disability. The secondary outcome was vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) parameters. Two-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA statistical method was used for data analysis.

Within-group comparisons showed that neurofeedback training and cognitive functional therapy groups experienced significant improvement in pain intensity, disability and kinesiophobia after eight-week (p < 0.05). However, the cognitive functional therapy group improved the vertical ground reaction force parameters better than the neurofeedback training group (p < 0.05).

cognitive functional therapy intervention had a greater effect on the vertical ground reaction force parameters. The reason for the greater effect of cognitive functional therapy intervention on vertical ground reaction force parameters can be partially explained due to the multimodal therapy used through cognitive exercises and motor control.