Shortwave Diathermy and Pilates Exercises in Patients With Chronic Non-specific Low Back

Effects of Shortwave Diathermy and Pilates Exercises in Patients With Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain: a Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of the association of Shortwave Diathermy and Pilates exercises in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain, on the reduction of pain, functional disability and improvement of the quality of life.

The drawing of the study will be a prospective, randomized controlled trial and double-blind with quantitative approach. Study participants 36 subjects diagnosed with non-specific chronic low back pain, which will be divided in two groups with 18 subjects in each: experimental group, which will be submitted to placebo + exercise shortwave diathermy and the control group to do active + exercise shortwave diathermy. There will be 12 one-hour sessions twice a week. The subjects will apply Shortwave Diathermy for 20 minutes, followed by Pilates mat.

Inclusion Criteria:

• individuals diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain for a period of more than 3 months, without irradiation for lower limbs;
• who present pain intensity greater than 3 points in the Numerical Pain Scale;
• to sign the Free and Informed Consent Form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI> 30;
• previous surgeries in the spine;
• severe spinal affection (tumors, infection, unconsolidated or vicious consolidation fractures, inflammatory diseases);
• rheumatic disease;
• contraindication to performing the exercises according to the American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines;
• degenerative or inflammatory joint and other body segments;
• patients who are in labor litigation;
• pregnancy;
• patients who are undergoing other type of physiotherapeutic or drug treatment.