The effect of an exercise using an active therapeutic movement device on mechanical low back pain: A case series study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this case series was to illustrate promising outcomes of an exercise therapy using an active therapeutic movement (ATM) device for patients with mechanical low back pain. Subjects: A total of 14 patients (mean age, 45.4 years) with mechanical low back pain agreed to participate in this study. Methods: Intervention involved therapeutic exercises using the ATM device twice a week for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow-up period. A questionnaire on pain during trunk flexion or extension (visual analogue scale: VAS) and the Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RDQ) were collected at baseline, and after the intervention and follow-up periods. Results: Mean VAS at baseline was 55.4 mm (SD 13.7). Statistically significant improvements in VAS pain were seen at 4 weeks and 8 weeks (p<0.01). Mean RDQ at baseline was 7.4 (SD 4.9). Statistically significant improvements in RDQ were exhibited at 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Conclusion: The therapeutic exercise using the ATM device was effective in the short term on pain and improved RDQ results in patients with mechanical low back pain.