Study Summary

Twenty-eight patients with chronic low back pain were randomized to receive either a phasic electromyostimulation (EMS) protocol or a combined EMS protocol using the StimaWELL 120MTRS system. The primary outcomes of interest were lumbar multifidus muscle morphology (cross-sectional area and fatty infiltration) and function (thickness change and stiffness). Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, disability, pain interference, and pain catastrophising. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 11 weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed no significant between-group differences in multifidus morphology or function, although both groups demonstrated significant improvements in several patient-reported pain outcomes, with greater improvements in disability, pain interference, and catastrophising observed in the phasic group. These findings suggest EMS may improve clinical symptoms of chronic low back pain despite limited structural muscle changes.