Riassunto dello studio

Thirty-two patients with chronic low back pain were randomized to receive a 2 week multidisciplinary treatment protocol (i.e., hot pack; ultrasound; transcutaneous electrical nerve simulation; home exercise; education) plus an additional matrix rhythm therapy intervention (n=16) or control (n=16). Outcomes of interest included the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) quality of life total score and associated sub-scores. Outcomes were assessed upon completion of the 2 week intervention program. Results revealed that the matrix rhythm group had significantly greater improvement in the SF-36 general health perceptions sub-score only compared to the control group (p=0.019); no other differences in the change from baseline were observed in the remaining outcomes. However, despite not being statistically significant, the improvement in all outcomes was greater in the matrix rhythm group.