Riassunto dello studio

Ninety patients with chronic low back pain were randomized to receive 8 weeks of dry cupping therapy (n=45) or sham dry cupping therapy (n=45). The primary outcome of interest was pain intensity on a numeric pain scale which was measured at rest, during the timed up and go (TUG) test, and during trunk flexion. Secondary outcomes of interest included physical function via the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), functional mobility via the TUG test, trunk range of motion, perceived overall effect via the Global Perception Scale (GPS), quality of life via the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, psychological symptoms via the Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), the incidence of medication use, the incidence of adverse events, and the incidence of sensation during treatment. Pain scores, TUG test scores, GPS scores, and trunk range of motion were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks follow-up; all remaining outcomes were assessed at 8 weeks follow-up. Results revealed no clinically important differences in all outcomes, at all time-points, between the two groups.