Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA | [b] Department of Biometry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA | [c] University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Alice V. Fann, M.D., Dept. of PM&R, Rt. 117/NLR, 2200 Fort Roots Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72114, USA. Tel.: +1 501 257 2990; Fax: +1 501 257 2993; E-mail: Alice.Fann@med.va.gov
Note: [1] This project was supported in part with a grant from the VA HSR&D Field Program. This is a US Government work.
Abstract: Objective:The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the efficacy of correcting pelvic obliquity by heel lifts to reduce pain and improve physical and emotional functioning in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods:Subjects were ≥ 20 years old with low back pain for at least one year. They were randomly assigned to experimental (n=9) or control (n=6) groups. Degree of pelvic obliquity was determined by postural radiographs. Main outcome measures were level of pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire – Short Form), and physical and emotional functioning (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey) which were administered at baseline, end of treatment and 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Experimental subjects received heel lifts and custom-molded insoles to correct pelvic obliquity; controls received off-the-shelf insoles. A physical therapist taught exercises to both groups. Results:Baseline outcomes measures were similar in both groups. With treatment, experimental subjects had significant improvement in general health, physical and social functioning, and vitality, and significantly less pain than controls. Conclusion:Correction of pelvic obliquity appears to improve pain and functioning in patients with chronic low back pain.
Keywords: Chronic low back pain, pelvic obliquity, leg length discrepancy, pain, function
