Pulsed electromagnetic energy as an adjunct to physiotherapy for the treatment of acute low back pain: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

The intention of this study was to investigate any additional benefits of pulsed electromagnetic energy used as an adjunct to routine physiotherapy for the treatment of acute non-specific low back pain. To address this aim, a single centre, double blinded, placebo controlled randomised control trial was conducted. Forty participants presenting to the University of Otago, School of Physiotherapy Clinic with acute non-specific low back pain (< 6 weeks) were recruited. The Oswestry Disability Index was employed as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included the Patient Specific Functional Scale and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Outcomes were collected at baseline, one week and four weeks (or discharge). Baseline characteristics exhibited no differences between groups. The group treated with active pulsed electromagnetic energy failed to demonstrate any significant additional improvements in Oswestry Disability Index, Patient Specific Functional Scale or Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores (p > 0.05). Irrespective of group allocation, all participants experienced significant improvements in Oswestry Disability Index, Patient Specific Functional Scale and Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores over both follow-up periods (p<0.05). Concisely, pulsed electromagnetic energy provides no significant additional benefit to physiotherapy in the treatment of acute non-specific low back pain.