Lumbar Segmental Stabilization and TENS in Lumbar Disc Herniation

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of method Lumbar Segmental Stabilization and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on pain, functional disability and ability to activate the transversus abdominis (TrA) of individuals with chronic back pain caused by disc herniation.

Detailed Description
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Objective: To contrast the efficacy efficacy of method Lumbar Segmental Stabilization and TENS on pain, functional capacity and ability to activate the TrA of individuals with chronic back pain caused by disc herniation. Design: Sixty patients are being randomized into two groups namely: Lumbar Segmental Stabilization (LS ) (specific exercises for the muscles transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus) (n = 30) and TENS group (TG) (n = 30) receiving assistance under a current of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Groups were contrasted regarding pain (visual analogical scale and McGill pain questionnaire), functional disability (Oswestry disability questionnaire) and TrA muscle activation capacity (Pressure Biofeedback Unit = PBU). The program lasts for 8 weeks, and sessions happen twice a week, with duration of one hour each. Evaluations will be performed before, after and with a follow-up six months after treatment. Significance level is established at 5%.

Official Title
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Lumbar Segmental Stabilization and TENS in Lumbar Disc Herniation: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Conditions
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Lumbar Spine Disc Herniation

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Lumbar stabilization exercises


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: chronic low back pain (pain for more than three months) or sciatica caused by disc herniation diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography Exclusion Criteria: prior back surgery, cancer, rheumatic diseases or infection. Patients involved in sports or resistance training for the lumbar spine during the three months prior to the beginning of treatment or other causes of pain and sciatica such as lumbar spinal canal stenosis and lumbar spondylolisthesis have also been excluded.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 25 Years
Maximum Age: 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Lumbar stabilization exercises<br>In the Segmental Stabilization group exercises the focus is on the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus muscles. | Other: Lumbar stabilization exercises<br>* The patients performed exercises for the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus muscles for an hour twice a week.<br>|
| Experimental: TENS group<br>In this group, patients are treated with TENS in the lumbar region for an hour. | Other: Lumbar stabilization exercises<br>* The patients performed exercises for the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus muscles for an hour twice a week.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pain. | The pain will be assessed with the visual analogical scale and McGill pain questionnaire. | 8 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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lumbar disc herniation, clinical trial, exercise therapy, TENS