Neuromuscular electrical stimulation associated with core stability exercises in nonspecific postural low back pain: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background. Low back pain is one of the most frequent causes of disability. Therapeutics programs have been used to promote muscle strengthening and lumbar stability. Methods. Randomized clinical trial with 30 female participants with chronic low back pain, divided into CORE Group (CG), NMES Group (NG), and CORE + NMES group (CNG). At the end of the intervention and six months later, the following were evaluated: pain level, functional status and disability, hamstring flexibility and evaluation of core stabilizing muscles. All groups received three weekly interventions for four weeks. Results. Pain level was significantly reduced in all study groups (p<0.05). The CNG Group significantly reduced pain at the end of the intervention compared to the NG Group (p<0.05). The Oswestry Disability Index decreased in all intervention groups; however, the CNG Group more significantly reduced the score compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Lumbopelvic stability tests showed that the CNG Group had a significantly higher stability than the CG Group and NG Group (p<0.05). Conclusion. Compared to the single use of CORE exercises or passive NMES, the association between NMES and CORE exercises resulted in greater analgesia, improved function, and greater lumbopelvic stability in patients with nonspecific low back pain.