Stabilization Exercises Alone vs Stabilization Exercises Plus Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in People With Chronic Low Back Pain

A Comparison Between Stabilization Exercises and Stabilization Exercises Supplemented With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation: A Feasibility Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of applying neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the lumbar spine, to report how tolerable the intervention is, and whether the electrical stimulation improve pain, function and muscle strength.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between 18 years of age and 60.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 34.
• Low Back Pain duration of 3 months or greater (chronic).
• Minimum pain level on Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is 3 or greater.
• Minimum score of Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ) is 20 or greater.
• Understands English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Positive nerve root tension signs
• Progressive neurological deficit
• Positive Babinski sign.
• Sensory loss that is not in correspondence with dermatomal distribution or peripheral nerves.
• History of spinal surgery
• History of inflammatory joint disease
• Contraindications to physical exercise including history of cardiac disease or being told by a physician not to engage in physical exercise.
• Contraindications to NMES including cardiac pacemaker or skin allergy to adhesives
• History of metastatic cancer in previous 5 years or present treatment for cancer
• Women who indicate that they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant