Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Major of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Korea | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Gyeonggido, Korea
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: BumChul Yoon, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, Korea University 145, Anam-ro, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Korea. Tel.: +82 29402833; Fax: +82 29402830; E-mail: yoonbc@korea.ac.kr.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are related to low back pain and back muscle stiffening, and secondarily to movement impairment. MTrP therapy with an inflatable ball would improve clinical outcomes for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) after 6 weeks. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MTrPs with an inflatable ball for the elderly with CNSLBP. METHODS: Fifteen elderly patients with chronic non-specific low back pain were evaluated for pain, pressure sensitivity, and physical function at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 weeks of therapy. The visual analog scale (VAS) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were used to measure pain intensity and sensitivity, respectively. Straight-leg-raise (SLR) test, back range of motion (BROM), and Oswestry disability index were used to assess physical function. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the 3- and 6-week VAS scores (-34.6%; p= 0.03); baseline and 1-week (7%; p= 0.02), 1- and 3-week (-14%; p= 0.01), and 3- and 6-week PPTs (18%; p= 0.01); 3- and 6-week BROMs (Flexion, 7.1%; Extension, 41%; p= 0.048); baseline and 1-week (-6.9%; p= 0.02), 1- and 3-week (3%; p= 0.01), and 3- and 6-week active SLR test scores (7%; p= 0.011); and baseline and 1-week (-2.6%; p= 0.03), 1- and 3-week (8.34%; p= 0.01), and 3- and 6-week passive SLR test scores (5.3%; p= 0.025). CONCLUSION: Myofascial trigger point therapy with an inflatable ball relieved pain and improved physical function in the elderly with CNSLBP.
Keywords: Chronic non-specific low back pain, elderly, inflatable ball, myofascial trigger point, myofascial trigger point therapy
