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Comparison of three different approaches in the treatment of chronic low back pain

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Abstract

Our aim is to investigate the effects of three therapeutic approaches in the chronic low back pain on pain, spinal mobility, disability, psychological state, and aerobic capacity. Sixty patients with chronic low back pain were randomized to three groups: group 1, aerobic exercise + home exercise; group 2, physical therapy (hot pack, ultrasound, TENS) + home exercise; group 3, home exercise only. Spinal mobility, pain severity, disability, and psychological disturbance of the patients were assessed before and after the treatment and at 1-month follow-up. Aerobic capacities of the patients were measured before and after treatment. All of the groups showed similar decrease in pain after the treatment and at 1-month follow-up, and there was no significant difference between the groups. In group 2, a significant decrease in Beck Depression Inventory scores was observed with treatment. At 1-month follow-up, group 1 and 2 showed significant decreases in General Health Assessment Questionnaire scores. In group 2, there was also a significant improvement in Roland Morris Disability scores. There were similar improvements in exercise test duration and the MET levels in all the three groups. All of the three therapeutic approaches were found to be effective in diminishing pain and thus increasing aerobic capacity in patients with chronic low back pain. On the other hand, physical therapy + home exercise was found to be more effective regarding disability and psychological disturbance.

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Author notes

  1. Şebnem Koldaş Doğan

    Present address: , 100.yıl mah. 399.sok. Ozpetek sitesi. 33/43, Ankara, Turkey

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ufuk University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

    Şebnem Koldaş Doğan

  2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

    Birkan Sonel Tur, Yeşim Kurtaiş & Mesut Birol Atay

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  1. Şebnem Koldaş Doğan
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  2. Birkan Sonel Tur
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  4. Mesut Birol Atay
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Correspondence to Şebnem Koldaş Doğan.

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Koldaş Doğan, Ş., Sonel Tur, B., Kurtaiş, Y. et al. Comparison of three different approaches in the treatment of chronic low back pain. Clin Rheumatol 27, 873–881 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-007-0815-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-007-0815-7

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