Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy, 2010/01, 4(1):54-58, type of study: ,rct,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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Keywords:

muscle energy technique [180]
interferential therapy [1]
low back pain [524]
quadratus lumborum [1]
randomized controlled trial [947]

Abstract:

Purpose of study: Low back pain in developed countries is one of the most common causes of disability, producing a large social and economic burden on society. MET is the form of manual therapy effective for treating movement restrictions of both the spine and extremities. It is an active technique used to treat patients with acute low back pain. The objectives of the present study were to compare the effectiveness of MET on quadratus lumborum combined with IFT and IFT alone in terms of reduction of pain, decrease in disability and increase in range of motion.
Materials and methods: 40 subjects (21 males and 19 females) diagnosed with acute low back pain were recruited from Department of Physiotherapy, K.L.E.S. Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum. A written informed consent was obtained from study subject and ethical clearance was obtained. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of 20 each. The control group received interferential therapy while interventional group received MET on quadratus lumborum combined with interferential therapy. Both groups received the selected treatment for 8 days. The outcome measures were recorded pre and postintervention using Visual Analogue Scale, Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire and spinal range of motion. Results: In the study both the groups showed statistically significant difference (p<0.0001) in reduction of pain, decrease in disability and increase in spinal range of motion. MET on quadratus lumborum combined with IFT demonstrated a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) showing decrease in disability and increase in spinal range of motion than IFT alone. Conclusion: MET on quadratus lumborum combined with interferential therapy is more effective in reduction in disability and increasing spinal range of motion than interferential therapy alone in patients with acute low back pain.