Multichannel Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation With Core Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic non-specific low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that can adversely affect daily activities, functional capacity, sleep, and quality of life. Exercise therapy is a key component of conservative management, and core exercises are used to improve trunk control and the coordinated function of the abdominal, lumbar, and pelvic musculature. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation may be added to exercise to facilitate muscle activation and support pain management; however, the additional clinical benefit of different multichannel stimulation programs remains uncertain.

This three-arm randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of two multichannel neuromuscular electrical stimulation programs added to a standardized core exercise program in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain. Forty-five participants are allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to (1) core exercise plus a lumbar strengthening stimulation program, (2) core exercise plus a muscle relaxation stimulation program, or (3) core exercise alone. Treatment is delivered twice weekly for six weeks (12 sessions). In the two stimulation groups, StimaWELL 120MTRS therapy is applied for 30 minutes at 40 °C. Outcomes are assessed at baseline and at week 6. The primary outcome is low back pain intensity measured with a 100-mm Visual Analog Scale. Secondary outcomes are disability, patient-specific functional status, quality of life, and insomnia severity.