Affiliations: [a] Research Institute of Sports Science, Korea
University, Seoul, Korea | [b] Department of Occupational Therapy, Woosuk University,
Wanju, Korea | [c] Department of Airservice management, Howon University,
Kunsan, Korea | [d] Division of Martial Arts and Guard, Howon University,
Kunsan, Korea | [e] Department of Exercise Physiology and Prescription,
Graduate School of Health Promotion, Hanseo University, Seosan, Korea
Note: [] Corresponding author: Yong-Seok Jee, Department of Exercise
Physiology and Prescription, Graduate School of Health Promotion, Hanseo
University, #360 Daegok-ri, Haemi-myun, Seosan 356-706, Korea. Tel.: +82 41 660
1028; Fax: +82 41 660 1088; E-mail: jeeys@ hanseo.ac.kr
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Effectiveness of inversion traction has been revealed in
patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), however, it is still unknown as to
which angles of inversion traction positively affect patients with CLBP. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the angle-effects of inversion traction on
pain sensation, lumbar flexibility, and trunk muscles (flexors and extensors)
strength in patients with CLBP after an 8 week treatment program. METHODS: Forty-seven women suffering nonspecific CLBP for 23.00
± 5.45 weeks were included prospectively and randomized into 3 groups:
supine group (SG; n=15), inversion −30° group (I30G; n=18), and
inversion −60° group (I60G; n=14), respectively. Each group completed
a 3-minute × 3-set inversion traction protocol at 0°, inverted
−30°, or inverted −60°, respectively for 4 days a week
during 8 weeks. The outcome measures included rating of pain using the visual
analogue scale (VAS), flexibility of lumbosacral joint, and the isokinetic
strength of the trunk flexors and extensors at 60°/s. RESULTS: Pain was significantly improved after 8 weeks. The
reductions observed in VAS scores were lower in the I60G compared with the
changes in I30G and SG. Significant interaction effects were observed in trunk
flexion and extension particularly in the I60G condition. There was also a
significant increase in the extensor peak torque of the I60G. CONCLUSIONS: Inversion traction at angle of −60° reduced
back pain or discomfort and improved lumbar flexibility and isokinetic trunk
extensor strength in patients with CLBP following an 8 week program. Therefore,
this treatment modality may be suitable for patient groups of similar CLBP
phenomenology.
Keywords: Back pain, trunk flexor, trunk extensor, lumbar flexibility
