Changes in Motor Cortex Following Exercises for Chronic Low Back Pain
Chronic Low Back PainThe motor cortex of the brain changes following chronic pain and injury, and this is linked to pain-associated changes in motor behaviour. This study aimed to investigate whether therapeutic exercises in patients with chronic pain can induce reorganisation of the motor cortex and restore normal motor behaviour. The investigators hypothesised that motor training can induce reorganisation of the motor cortex and that these changes are related to improved motor behaviour.
A Pilot MRI Study of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain
Low Back PainThis is a pilot project intended to determine the feasibility of detecting soft tissue changes in response to osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). MRIs of the lumbar and pelvic regions of low back pain (LBP) patients will be taken once before and at two different time points after OMT. Images obtained will be quantitatively analyzed for changes in the volumes of back muscles and for changes (T2 signals) indicative of activity levels or pathological conditions. Electromyography (EMG) will be used as an independent measure of back muscle activity for comparison with MRI results.
Workplace Based Rehabilitation for Low Back Disorders
Low Back PainThe purpose of this study is to examine the effect of back supports plus education upon recovery from a work-related low back disorder. The study tests the hypothesis: the use of back supports plus health education is not different from health education alone in promoting recovery from a work-related low back disorder in consideration of personal, health, and job factors. Significant improvements in physical health, neurogenic symptoms, back pain disability, and low back pain were observed over the twelve months of study follow-up. No statistically significant difference between the study groups was found with respect to these measures.
Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Treatment and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for...
Chronic Low Back PainThe primary purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of two psychological techniques in chronic low back pain patients treated in hospital pain clinics. The techniques are: cognitive behavioral treatment and mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR). This is a multiple site project in which patients come from 16 different pain clinics throughout Spain. The control group is formed by patients under usual medical treatment at pain clinics. The two intervention groups also receive usual medical treatment at pain clinics plus one psychological therapy treatment. The sample size is 330 subjects.
Treatment for Nonspecific Low Back Pain in Primary Care: a Trial on Different Health Education Booklets...
Low Back PainThe primary purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness on the disability of low back pain patients of The Back Book, The Back Guide, and a control intervention (generic recommendations on general health). Patients are divided into 3 groups:those who receive The Back Book (classic education), those who receive The Back Guide (cognitive behavioral education) and the control group). They are patients who consult a physician at the primary care consults of 14 different Health Centers in Spain. The sample size is 240 subjects.
Return to Work Interventions for Patients With Low Back Pain
Low Back PainLow back pain has become a major concern to employees and employers because of its negative impact on employee health and productivity. The objective of this study is to investigate whether a return-to-work intervention conducted during inpatient rehabilitation improves functional limitations that are related with low back pain and interfere with job performance.
The Effect of a Work-hardening Program for Return-to-work for Workers With Low Back Pain
Low Back PainOccupational injury results in family economic crisis and national productivity loss; it is really becoming an important issue in Taiwanese society. Low back pain is the most frequent injury affecting workers. In addition to the prevention of injury, having a work-hardening program and getting the injured workers returned to work are also challenges for medical personnel. The purposes of this study are: to develop a guideline to assess the low back pain workers' impairment and working capacity; to formulate a feasible work-hardening program for the low back pain workers; and to execute the program, evaluate the training effect and then follow up the rate of return to work of the low back pain workers. In the first year, a guideline for assessment of low back impairment and working capacity will be developed. It may consist of the demographic data, the working status, the physical need in work, trunk muscle isokinetic strength, Oswestry low back disability questionnaire, functional capacity evaluation and quality of life questionnaire. The whole assessment package will be empirically applied in low back pain workers and the validity and reliability will be tested. A work-hardening program for low back pain workers will be established in the first year through meetings with experts and literature review. The work-hardening program will consist of training of trunk muscle strength, flexibility, and general fitness. A sling-exercise training model will be applied in the program. In the second year, low back pain workers in outpatient departments will be recruited with their own agreement and grouped randomly into either the work-hardening group or the control group. The expected number of subjects is 30 in each group. According to the result of impairment assessment and work capacity, the workers in the work-hardening group will start the individualized work-hardening program for 3 months. After the program, the workers will be assessed again to evaluate the training's effect, and the investigators will follow the rate of return to work among them 3 and 6 months after the program. The workers in the control group will be followed for 6 and 9 months after enrollment to collect the rate of return to work in this group.
Using an Interactive Game to Reduce Fear and Increase Spine Motion in Low Back Pain
Low Back PainA fundamental clinical problem in individuals with chronic low back pain is the significant alteration in movement patterns that restrict lumbar spine motion. This is particularly true for individuals with fear of re-injury with movement (i.e., kinesiophobia). The primary aims of the current study are to use a whole body video game environment to 1) determine the effects of game play on lumbar spine flexion and expectations of pain and harm and 2) determine the effects of altered movement gain on lumbar spine flexion.
Technology-supported Exercise Therapy for Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
Chronic Non-specific Low Back PainThis clinical pilot trial will investigate the effects of technology-supported exercise therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain. Patients will follow an intensive rehabilitation program (2x/week for 18 weeks), with emphasis on motor control training that is supported by technology. The technological system consists out of motion tracking sensors that register the movements and position of the lumbar spine.
Internet App to Self-Manage Occasional Low Back Pain
Low Back PainNonspecific low back pain (NLBP) is the diagnosis for 85% of low back pain sufferers with no underlying medical cause (e.g., herniated disc, spinal stenosis) that requires physician care. Treatment, however, is impractical for many physicians to implement during office visits, and there are relatively few providers for NLBP treatment that follow national pain control guidelines. This study evaluated the efficacy of an on-line intervention using desktop computers or mobile technology to help users self treat NLBP occurrences and to engage in activities to decrease future occurences.