Clinical evaluation of the BackMate lower lumbar rehabilitation system: results of a preliminary study

Back pain profoundly affects daily activities and quality-of-life parameters. It was the intent of the present study to evaluate a procedure of stretching and strengthening the lower back musculature with the aid of a pelvic stabilization device, the BackMate, for the treatment of lower back pain. Subjects suffering from chronic back pain (> 3 months in duration) were studied. The treatment program consisted of three therapy sessions per week for 3 weeks. Sitting time, walking distance, and lower back pain, parameters reported by the subjects, significantly improved regardless of age and sex of the subjects. Similarly, objective parameters, including forward bend, straight leg raise, and hamstring flexibility, significantly improved. This preliminary experience suggests that stretching and strengthening procedures performed with the aid of a pelvic stabilization device may prove to be a significant addition to current clinical treatment procedures for lower back pain.