Dentification of the Biochemical and Molecular Effects of Percutaneous Electrolysis on the Lumbar Multifidus Muscle in Patients With Low Back Pain Through a Blood-Based Multi-Omics Approach
Dentification of the Biochemical and Molecular Effects of Percutaneous Electrolysis on the Lumbar Multifidus Muscle in Patients With Low Back Pain Through a Blood-Based Multi-Omics Approach
Low back pain is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition and is frequently associated with structural and functional alterations of the lumbar multifidus muscle. Percutaneous electrolysis is an ultrasound-guided invasive physiotherapy technique increasingly used in the management of musculoskeletal pain; however, its underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood.
The aim of this study is to investigate the biochemical and molecular effects of percutaneous electrolysis applied to the lumbar multifidus muscle in patients with low back pain. A multidisciplinary, blood-based multi-omics approach will be used to explore systemic biochemical changes induced by the intervention.
In this preliminary controlled study, blood samples will be collected from participants before and after treatment and analyzed using proteomic and lipidomic techniques. Multivariate statistical and bioinformatic analyses will be performed to identify proteins, lipids, and metabolic pathways that are significantly modulated by percutaneous electrolysis compared with a control procedure.
The results of this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of action of percutaneous electrolysis and to support the identification of potential blood biomarkers associated with its therapeutic effects in low back pain.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 1. Male participants aged 18 to 48 years. 2. Presence of low back pain at the time of enrollment. 3. Identification of the lumbar multifidus muscle as a target for the intervention.
4. Good general health status, as determined by medical history. 5. Physically active or athletic individuals. 6. Non-smokers. 7. Ability and willingness to comply with study procedures. 8. Provision of written informed consent prior to participation.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. History of spinal surgery or significant spinal trauma. 2. Presence of neurological disorders affecting the lumbar spine or lower limbs.
3. Known systemic inflammatory, metabolic, or autoimmune diseases. 4. Use of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or corticosteroid medication within a predefined period prior to enrollment.
5. Coagulation disorders or current use of anticoagulant therapy. 6. Active infection, skin lesion, or dermatological condition at the intervention site.
7. Contraindications to invasive physiotherapy or needle-based procedures. 8. Participation in another interventional clinical study within the previous months.
9. Inability to tolerate blood sampling procedures.