Clinical Trial Results
Bone Joint J Feb 2015 vol. 97-B no. (SUPP 2)
Bone Joint J Feb 2015 vol. 97-B no. (SUPP 2)DETERMINING THE CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LUMBACURVE™ IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SIMPLE MECHANICAL LOW BACK PAIN
J Alexander, A Chohan, Prof J Selfe, Prof J Richards, and K May
Author affiliations: University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
Abstract:
Background
Low back pain (LBP) is widespread in all populations and is a health problem, which poses substantial challenges for clinical management. Individuals with LBP may reduce their symptoms by implementing self-managed at-home interventions. The theoretical design of the LumbaCurve™ promotes the principles of a passive gravity assisted traction (PGAT) stretch of the lumbar and sacral region in order to reduce LBP. The study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of the LumbaCurve™ in the management of LBP when compared to a control group of standardised care*.
Methods
Following a screening form using Red Flags and STarT Back tools, 60 individuals with LBP were recruited to the 4-week intervention. Eligible participants completed a pre-intervention questionnaire and were randomly allocated to either ‘standardised care’ or ‘standardised care PLUS LumbaCurve™’ group. Intervention material was trialled for 4 weeks consecutively, followed by a post-intervention questionnaire. Pre and post assessments applied the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS)
Results
Interim results suggested RMDQ values demonstrate a trend toward the classification of ‘definite improvement’ following standardised care plus LumbaCurve™intervention. When comparing pre/post outcomes alone for the intervention of standardised care plus LumbaCurve™, significant reductions in RMDQ results occurred (p=0.14). PROMS results reported a significant decrease (p=0.15) in average pain rating when comparing interventions
Conclusion
Initial findings report that through a four-week intervention programme, significant improvements in patient-reported back pain levels are demonstrated following standardised care plus LumbaCurve™ intervention.
This abstract has not been previously published in whole or substantial part and has not previously been presented at a national meeting
Full research paper pending submission to The European Spine Journal March 2015
Conflicts of interest: No conflicts or interest
*Standardised care relates to prescribed stretches alongside a book titled ‘The Back Book’ which explains how the exercises should be performed, reps, sets and frequency.
Copyright ©2015, British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery
Graph showing patient reported pain relief (NPRS): NHS Standard treatment guidelines Vs LumbaCurve
