Efficacy of Augmented Feedback on Lumbar Postural and Movement Control During Physiotherapy and Home Exercise

Efficacy of Augmented Feedback on Lumbar Postural and Movement Control During Physiotherapy and Home Exercise - A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Exercise therapy is effective in improving pain experience and disability in patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) and movement/postural control impairments. However, patients often find traditional exercises monotonous and discontinue their execution. Augmented feedback tools (AF) might improve patient adherence and therapy outcomes, but evidence is currently lacking on their effects on movement/postural control. In a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) on a population of patients with NSLBP and movement control impairment, treatment with physiotherapy and home exercise supported by AF is compared to traditional physiotherapy and home exercise treatment without AF (control group). The primary outcomes are defined as lumbar movement control and postural control, measured using an inertial measurement system.

Inclusion Criteria:

• non specific low back pain for at least four weeks
• at least moderate disability (as indicated by an Oswestry disability index (ODI) > 8% (Mannion et al., 2006))
• low levels of biopsychosocial risk factors (STarT Back Screening tool > 4 points) (Hill et al., 2011)
• at least two positive movement control impairment tests (Luomajoki et al., 2008, Sahrmann, 2002)

Exclusion Criteria:

• specific low back pain
• pain in other areas of the body (e.g. neck, head, thoracic spine or arms)
• vertigo or equilibrium disturbances
• systemic diseases (e.g. tumours and diabetes)
• injuries
• surgeries of the legs within the last six months
• medication affecting postural control
• pregnancy