Immediate effect of sling exercises combined with mechanic vibration and oscillation mobilization in chronic nonspecific low back pain patients: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose

This study determined whether the combined application of sling exercises (SE) with targeted vibration and oscillations using a device called the Vibraoscillator (VO) is effective in reducing pain intensity, increasing range of motion (ROM), and enhancing back-related functions in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP).

Materials and methods

Thirty-six participants were randomized into experimental (SE + VO) and control (SE) groups. Both groups received the intervention twice a week for 4 weeks. The pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), ROM was measured using the Modified-Modified Schober’s Test (MMST), and the level of disability was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Scale (ODI). In addition, the global perceived effect (GPE) was determined.

Results

NRS and ODI scores significantly improved after the intervention in the experimental group. Only lumbar spine extension improved significantly in the case of ROM. The GPE satisfaction rate was 14.5% higher in the experimental group than in the control group.

Conclusion

Based on the findings obtained in this study, the combined use of VO and SE in patients with CNLBP was effective in reducing pain, improving ROM, and reducing physical disability in comparison with the treatment of only SE.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Chronic nonspecific low back pain is a major public health problem because it affects almost every person at least once in their lifetime.

• A new device called a Vibraoscillator generates horizontal vibrations and vertical oscillation movements targeted to a specific area of treatment to promote the neurofacilitation of the targeted zone, aiming for a more focused treatment than general vibrations.

• This device, in combination with sling exercises, is hypothesized to reduce pain and increase the mobility of the targeted zone and back-related functions in these patients.

• Based on our findings, the combined use of these interventions twice a week for 4 weeks was effective in reducing pain and improving the range of movement, which consequently reduced physical disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Keywords:

• Chronic nonspecific low back pain
• lumbar pain
• spine mobilization
• sling exercise
• physical therapy

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Korea University Anam Hospital and the participants of the study for their cooperation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).